Korea Captain Son Heung-min talks with teammate Kim MIn-jae ahead of the Group A match against South Africa at Monterrey Stadium in Mexico, June 24. Yonhap
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be remembered as the tournament of seasoned veterans. Players who in previous generations would likely have retired to become coaches or television pundits are still competing on football's biggest stage. The tournament highlights how advances in sports science, coupled with meticulous self-care, have fundamentally changed the limits of athletic longevity.
Players in their 40s have become a striking presence throughout this World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, scored twice against Uzbekistan in Portugal's Group K match Tuesday (local time), becoming the first player ever to score in six consecutive World Cups. Luka Modrić, 41, remains the heart of Croatia's midfield, while Edin Džeko, 40, continues to lead Bosnia and Herzegovina's attack.
Among goalkeepers, Craig Gordon, 44, of Scotland, Manuel Neuer, 40, of Germany, Vozinha, 40, of Cape Verde, and Guillermo Ochoa, 41, of Mexico are all still competing at the highest level. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi, 39, has added another milestone by becoming the Men's World Cup's all-time leading scorer.
