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Here is a look at the veteran footballers who have a strong chance of appearing in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will not only serve as a stage for debutants and emerging young stars, but also as a platform for seasoned players eager to create lasting memories.

Several experienced players are still trusted to represent their nations on football’s biggest stage.

Many participating countries have already released their preliminary squads for the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA will later confirm the final squad lists for each nation, with the allowance for last-minute changes up to 24 hours before their opening match.

Among the announced names, Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo stands out as the most attention-grabbing inclusion.

The Portugal captain has a chance to make history by becoming one of the few players to feature in six different World Cup editions, alongside Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Croatia’s Luka Modric.

At 41 years old, Ronaldo could also join the exclusive list of players aged over 41 who have competed in the World Cup.

So far, only four players have managed that feat: Essam El Hadary, Faryd Mondragon, Roger Milla, and Pat Jennings.

Despite his advancing age, Ronaldo continues to play a vital role for the Selecao das Quinas.

His sharp finishing and strong leadership presence in the dressing room have convinced Portugal’s coach to keep him in the squad for the road to the 2026 World Cup.

In addition to Ronaldo, Croatian midfielder Luka Modric is also expected to make another World Cup appearance at the age of 40.

Modric remains the heartbeat of Croatia’s midfield thanks to his exceptional vision and vast international experience.

If he takes part, it will mark his sixth World Cup since making his debut in 2006 in Germany, exactly 20 years earlier.

Another veteran likely to play is Germany’s experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who will also be 40 when the tournament kicks off.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s striker Edin Dzeko is another player projected to participate at the age of 40.

Although no longer in his prime, Dzeko’s goal-scoring instincts and ability to read the game remain crucial assets.

Dzeko was instrumental in helping Bosnia qualify for the 2026 World Cup after eliminating Italy in the play-offs.

Meanwhile, Japan could include 39-year-old defender Yuto Nagatomo in their squad.

The veteran full-back could become one of the oldest players in World Cup history if he gets playing time during the tournament.

The former Inter Milan player also has the opportunity to become the oldest Asian footballer ever to play in a World Cup if selected for Japan.

Another name on the list is Cape Verde’s goalkeeper Vozinha, who will turn 40 before his nation’s opening match of the 2026 tournament.

If he features, he will immediately join the ranks of the oldest players ever to participate in the competition.

However, the oldest potential participant in the 2026 World Cup is Scotland’s goalkeeper Craig Gordon.

The 43-year-old shot-stopper has been included in his country’s squad for this year’s competition.

If he plays, Gordon would become the second-oldest footballer in World Cup history, behind Egyptian legend Essam El Hadary, who appeared at 45 years and 161 days in the 2018 World Cup.

Interestingly, throughout the 96-year history of the tournament, only seven players aged 40 or older have ever featured in a World Cup match.

That number could increase significantly in the 2026 edition.

The presence of these veteran players proves that experience, leadership, and game intelligence remain essential qualities at the highest level of world football.

It’s fair to say that the 2026 World Cup could very well be remembered as the World Cup of football’s veterans.

Support for Ronaldo at the 2026 World Cup

In the 2026 World Cup, Cristiano Ronaldo will once again lead Portugal’s campaign as team captain in pursuit of the ultimate trophy.

Portugal has been drawn into Group K, where they will face DR Congo on June 18, Uzbekistan on June 24, and Colombia on June 28.

Support for Portugal’s national team in this edition of the World Cup is pouring in from around the globe, including from fans in Indonesia.

Syahrul Fauzi, President of Pena Real Madrid de Indonesia (PRMI), expressed his belief that Portugal has a strong chance to win the World Cup compared to other favorites.

Although an admirer of Real Madrid and Lionel Messi, Syahrul still considers Portugal his personal favorite to lift the trophy in 2026.

“I’m backing Portugal. Even though I’m a Real Madrid fan and also admire Lionel Messi, when it comes to national teams, I choose Portugal,” Syahrul told Tribunnews.

Similar optimism was shared by PSM Makassar player Muhammad Arfan.

The midfielder, who wears the number 48 jersey, said he is eagerly anticipating Ronaldo’s performance in the tournament to be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Arfan believes Portugal has a balanced mix of experienced and high-quality players capable of competing for the world title.

“Portugal, because they have experienced and quality players,” Arfan said.

He added that Ronaldo remains the key figure in Portugal’s squad despite his age.

“The key player is definitely Ronaldo,” said the PSM Makassar vice-captain.

Arfan also expressed confidence that Portugal can win their first-ever World Cup title, giving Ronaldo the perfect “last dance.”

“I’m optimistic Portugal will win their first World Cup this year,” he asserted.

List of Veteran Players Likely to Feature in the 2026 World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 41 years

Craig Gordon (Scotland) – 43 years

Luka Modric (Croatia) – 40 years

Manuel Neuer (Germany) – 40 years

Edin Dzeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 40 years

Vozinha (Cape Verde) – 40 years

Yuto Nagatomo (Japan) – 39 years

10 Oldest Players in World Cup History

Essam El Hadary – Egypt vs Saudi Arabia (June 25, 2018) – 45 years, 161 days

Faryd Mondragon – Colombia vs Japan (June 24, 2014) – 43 years, 3 days

Roger Milla – Cameroon vs Russia (June 28, 1994) – 42 years, 39 days

Pat Jennings – Northern Ireland vs Brazil (June 12, 1986) – 41 years, 0 days

Peter Shilton – England vs Italy (July 7, 1990) – 40 years, 292 days

Dino Zoff – Italy vs Germany (July 11, 1982) – 40 years, 133 days

Ali Boumnijel – Tunisia vs Ukraine (June 23, 2006) – 40 years, 71 days

Jim Leighton – Scotland vs Morocco (June 23, 1998) – 39 years, 334 days

David James – England vs Germany (June 27, 2010) – 39 years, 330 days

Atiba Hutchinson – Canada vs Morocco (December 1, 2022) – 39 years, 296 days