Sports
Ronaldo, Modric Lead List of Over-40 Stars Set for 2026 FIFA World Cup
Age will be more than just a number at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as several football icons aged 40 and above prepare to grace the sport’s biggest stage once again.
The tournament, scheduled to take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, will feature a remarkable group of veteran players whose careers have defied expectations and whose influence continues to shape their national teams.
Leading the list is Portugal captain Christiano Ronaldo, who at 41 is on course to make history by becoming the first footballer to feature in six FIFA World Cup tournaments. The legendary forward remains a key figure for Portugal and will be looking to add another chapter to his illustrious international career.
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon is expected to be the oldest player at the competition. At 43 years and 162 days, the veteran shot-stopper continues to demonstrate remarkable longevity, earning another opportunity to represent his country on football’s biggest stage.
Croatia’s midfield maestro, Luka Modric will also be among the tournament’s senior statesmen. Now 40, the former Ballon d’Or winner remains one of Croatia’s most influential players and will be aiming to inspire his country to another memorable World Cup campaign.
Germany will once again rely on the experience of goalkeeper Manuel Neuer. At 40 years old, the former World Cup winner continues to be a commanding presence between the posts and is expected to play a crucial role for the German national team.
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Bosnia and Herzegovina’s veteran striker, Edin Dzeko is also set for the global showpiece. The 40-year-old forward remains one of his country’s most dependable attacking options and is expected to lead the line once again.
Host nation Mexico could see another World Cup appearance from legendary goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. At 40, Ochoa is poised to become one of the few players in football history to participate in six World Cup tournaments, further cementing his place among the game’s enduring greats.
Completing the list is Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha, who is expected to be part of his country’s squad as the island nation prepares for what could be a historic first appearance at the FIFA World Cup.
The presence of these veteran stars highlights the growing longevity of modern footballers, many of whom continue to perform at the highest level well into their forties. Their experience, leadership and quality are expected to play vital roles as their respective nations chase success at the biggest football tournament in the world.
As the countdown to kick-off continues, fans will not only be watching the sport’s emerging talents but also celebrating a generation of players whose careers have stood the test of time.
Manchester City have become the last team to qualify for the last 16 of the Carabao Cup.
This follows their 5-0 thrashing of Norwich on Thursday evening.
Enzo Maresca’s men went two goals up in the first half, thanks to strikes from Floyd Samba and Rayan Cherki.
Allan, Samba and Ryan McAidoo completed the rout after the break.
City will now face Brighton who eliminated Manchester United.
FULL FIXTURES:
Fleetwood vs Arsenal
Man City vs Brighton
Everton vs Newcastle
Sunderland vs Brentford
Liverpool vs Chelsea
Bradford City vs Peterborough
Fulham vs Crystal Palace
Bournemouth vs Aston Villa
Chelsea chairman Todd Boehly will leave his role after agreeing to sell his stake in the Premier League football club to co-owners Clearlake Capital.
The announcement came early on Thursday morning, with the US equity firm acquiring “full control of the club”.
Boehly bought a stake in the London club in 2022 and said it had been an “honour” to serve as chairman.
He gave his thanks to “the coaches and players, the talented leadership and staff at Chelsea, and the legions of dedicated fans”.
His statement continued: “I have valued my partnership with Clearlake and the wider ownership group, and the collective decisions and investment we have made to support the immediate and long-term success of the club.
“I am confident that Chelsea is well positioned for continued success under Clearlake’s leadership.”
Behdad Eghbali and José E. Feliciano, co-founders of Clearlake Capital, said: “Todd has been an important partner throughout our ownership of Chelsea, and we thank him for his time and contribution as Chairman.
“He will always be a part of the Chelsea story and family. Clearlake has served as Chelsea’s majority owner since 2022, and as we move to full control our focus is to continue investing in the Club’s infrastructure, sporting performance, player development and delivering long-term success for Chelsea and the Club’s supporters.”
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Todd Boehly bought the stake in 2022 (Image: Getty)
Chelsea said that Hansjörg Wyss “will remain an important stakeholder and partner in the ownership group” after Mark Walter, another of the club’s co-owners, also sold his stake to Clearlake.
Mr Boehly, Mr Walter and Hansjörg Wyss each had a 12.8% stake following their joint takeover of Chelsea four years ago.
The new change will not change day-to-day operations or strategy at the club.
Lionel Messi is set to make his final appearance for Argentina after being named in the squad for an international friendly against Benin on October 6.
The 39-year-old forward, who announced his retirement from international football in August, will return to the national team for what is expected to be an emotional farewell before Argentine supporters at River Plate’s Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) plans to honour its captain during the fixture, with AFA president Claudio Tapia confirming that Messi was invited to receive the send-off the federation believes he deserves.
“We made the decision to invite the best player in the world, the symbol of our national team, our captain, Lionel Andres Messi, so that he can have the farewell he truly deserves on October 6 here in Argentina,” Tapia said.
Members of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad have also been invited to attend the ceremony.
Messi is expected to win his 208th and final international cap against Benin. He remains Argentina’s record appearance holder and all-time leading scorer, with 125 goals for the national team.
His two-decade international career has been decorated with major honours, including the 2022 FIFA World Cup and Copa America titles in 2021 and 2024.
Before the farewell fixture, Argentina will face Bolivia in Cordoba on September 30 and Burkina Faso in Buenos Aires on October 3.
The Bolivia clash will be Argentina’s first match since their defeat to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final.
The fixtures will also take place against the backdrop of FIFA disciplinary sanctions imposed on Argentina following incidents involving members of the team.
Argentina have been ordered to play their next home match at 50 per cent stadium capacity after breaching FIFA disciplinary regulations relating to demonstrations considered non-sporting at a sporting event.
The punishment followed Argentina’s 2-1 semi-final victory over England in July, when several players displayed a banner bearing the words: “The Falklands are Argentine.”
The upcoming friendlies are also expected to count towards suspensions handed down following incidents after Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.
Midfielder Leandro Paredes has been suspended for 10 matches, while defender Nahuel Molina was handed a seven-game ban.
Despite the disciplinary backdrop, the October 6 fixture is expected to centre on Messi as Argentina prepares to bid farewell to the captain who led the country to its long-awaited World Cup triumph.
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