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Veteran stars set to grace 2026 World Cup in potential farewell tour
๐Ÿ‡ญ๐Ÿ‡ท Croatia /Sports

Veteran stars set to grace 2026 World Cup in potential farewell tour

From Veฤernji List · () Croatian

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Context piece
  • The 2026 World Cup is expected to feature a generation of veteran players, with several stars over 40 potentially participating.
  • Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 43, is a strong candidate to be the oldest player, potentially becoming the second oldest in World Cup history.
  • The tournament will likely be a farewell tour for iconic players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modriฤ‡, Edin Dลพeko, and Manuel Neuer.

The 2026 World Cup is shaping up to be a celebration of player longevity, with a significant number of veteran stars poised to participate. In an era dominated by speed and youth, a notable contingent of football icons are defying time, preparing for what could be their final appearances on the grandest stage.

The 2026 World Cup offers a fascinating subplot celebrating player longevity and perseverance.

General introduction to the theme of veteran players at the 2026 World Cup.

Names like Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modriฤ‡, Edin Dลพeko, and Manuel Neuer are not just relevant but are expected to be key figures for their national teams. Their continued presence at the highest level demonstrates that experience and football intelligence can overcome the passage of time, turning this World Cup into a farewell tour for a remarkable generation of players.

At least five new players are anticipated to join the exclusive club of those who have played in a World Cup at 40 or older. While Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary's record of 45 years and 161 days set in 2018 seems almost insurmountable, it serves as an inspiration. Traditionally, goalkeepers have longer careers, but Roger Milla of Cameroon set the standard for outfield players, famously playing at 42 in the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

Experience and football intelligence can overcome the passage of time, turning this World Cup into a farewell tour for a great generation.

Describing the significance of older players' continued relevance.

Among the contenders for the oldest player at the 2026 tournament is Scottish goalkeeper Craig Gordon of Hearts. If he plays, at 43, he would become the second oldest player in World Cup history. For Gordon and Scotland, returning to the World Cup after a 28-year absence, his participation would be a career highlight. Gordon played only three matches for Hearts last season, and his national team faced Croatia in a Nations League match in November 2024, which Scotland won 1-0 in Glasgow.

He made history when he stood in goal against Saudi Arabia at the incredible age of 45 years and 161 days.

Referring to Essam El Hadary's record as the oldest player.

Cristiano Ronaldo, at 41, is expected to be the oldest outfield player and will be chasing records, potentially becoming the oldest scorer in the knockout stage. Alongside him are other notable veterans like Croatia's captain Luka Modriฤ‡, Bosnia and Herzegovina's leader Edin Dลพeko, and Germany's goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, all over 40.

If he plays, at 43, he would become the second oldest player in the history of the World Cups.

Discussing Craig Gordon's potential to be the oldest player.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Veฤernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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