Cristiano Ronaldo just did what Cristiano Ronaldo does best: make history while refusing to acknowledge the passage of time. On June 17, 2026, the Portuguese forward became the oldest outfielder to start a match in World Cup history, taking the pitch against DR Congo at 41 years and 132 days old.
The previous record belonged to Canada’s Atiba Hutchinson, who started at 39 years and 296 days during the Qatar 2022 tournament. Ronaldo didn’t just break that mark. He shattered it by nearly two full years.
The match itself was less historic
Portugal’s Group K opener ended in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Ronaldo played the full 90 minutes, attempted three shots, and watched all three sail off target.
This was Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup appearance, tying him with Lionel Messi as the only players in the tournament’s history to participate in six editions. Six World Cups spanning from 2006 to 2026.
