There is nothing likethe World Cup, and nothing can prepare someone more for the sport’s biggest tournament better than experience.
Some of these players are more than double the age of some of their youngest teammates.While they might not have the same burst they had in their prime, they bring an important blend of leadership and experience to their teams.
Cristiano Ronaldo,the Portugal legend, is the second-oldest player in this year’s tournament at 41.Lionel Messi, the Argentina great, is the 12th-oldest player in the tournament at 38 years old, and will soon turn 39.
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo leaves the pitch after the first half during the World Cup Group K match between Portugal and Congo in Houston on June 17, 2026.(Karen Warren/AP)
Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates after scoring the team’s second goal during the international friendly match between Argentina and Iceland at Jordan-Hare Stadium on June 9, 2026, in Auburn, Alabama.(Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Here are the 10 oldest players in this year’s World Cup.