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Ronaldo, Modric Lead List of Over-40 Stars Set for 2026 FIFA World Cup
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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.
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Anthony Joshua knocks out Kristian Prenga after initial scare
Anthony Joshua remains on course for a showdown with British heavyweight rival Tyson Fury later this year after recovering from being knocked down inside 20 seconds to secure a second-round knockout of Kristian Prenga in a wild clash in Jeddah.
Joshua endured a dismal first three minutes, hitting the canvas twice, firstly from a vicious uppercut, with the Albanian knockout specialist eyeing a seismic shock.
However, Prenga was demolished shortly after by right hands in AJ’s first outing since he was a passenger in a car crash last December that killed close friends Sina Ghami and Latif ‘Latz’ Ayodele.
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Arsenal in surprise drive for Vinícius Jr. amid Real Madrid contract uncertainty
Arsenal are reportedly considering the possibility of signing Real Madrid superstar Vinícius Júnior in what could become one of the biggest transfer stories of the summer.
According to respected transfer journalist David Ornstein, the Gunners have internally approved the idea of pursuing the Brazilian winger if he fails to agree a new contract with the Spanish giants.
While there have been no club-to-club negotiations at this stage, the interest is said to have the backing of Arsenal’s hierarchy, with the North London club closely monitoring the player’s contract situation.
Vinícius has entered the final 12 months of his current deal at Real Madrid, raising questions about his long-term future at the Santiago Bernabéu. Madrid are keen to avoid losing one of their biggest stars on a free transfer and are also mindful of a substantial loyalty bonus that would become due if he remains at the club into next season.
Despite the growing speculation, the move remains in its early stages, with no formal talks having taken place between the clubs. However, Ornstein reports that Vinícius is among Arsenal’s primary transfer targets should an opportunity arise.
The Brazilian international has established himself as one of the world’s top attacking players since joining Real Madrid, playing a key role in the club’s domestic and European successes. Any potential deal would likely require a significant transfer fee and a major financial commitment from Arsenal.
For now, Arsenal are keeping a close watch on developments, with Vinícius’ contract negotiations expected to determine whether the Premier League side can turn their ambitious interest into a formal pursuit.
Sports
Just in: 23m support petition to ban Argentina from World Cup as FIFA pushes back
An online petition calling for Argentina to be banned from the FIFA World Cup has attracted more than 23 million signatures from football fans across the globe, following the conclusion of the 2026 tournament.
According to talkSPORT, the petition, titled “Argentina Out,” amassed 23,316,108 signatures from supporters in 170 countries in less than a week, making it one of the most widely shared online petitions in history.
Organisers had initially hoped to collect five million signatures, but the campaign quickly surpassed that target as frustration over Argentina’s performances and officiating during the tournament spread among football fans.
The petition accused FIFA and match officials of showing favoritism toward Argentina and captain Lionel Messi throughout the competition, allegations that FIFA has consistently denied.
The petition stated: “Why should the rest of the teams play in the tournament if the winner is known in advance? Exclude Argentina from the World Cup and give everyone a fair chance.” The campaign gained momentum during the World Cup but ultimately failed to achieve its objective.
Argentina’s campaign ended in disappointment after a 1-0 defeat to Spain in Sunday’s World Cup final. Messi, playing what many believe could be his final World Cup, was seen leaving the pitch in tears following emotional scenes after the final whistle.
The petition was officially closed after the tournament ended, with its website displaying the message: “FIFA ignored us but Spain delivered. Thank you Spain.” Despite the campaign’s widespread support, Argentina faces no disciplinary action and will continue to participate in future FIFA World Cup competitions.
The South American giants are expected to feature in the 2030 tournament, where they are among the nations scheduled to co-host an expanded 64-team competition. Although the petition drew more than 23 million signatures, it narrowly missed becoming the largest online petition ever recorded.
The current Guinness World Record remains with the Jubilee 2000 campaign, an international movement that called for the cancellation of unpayable debts owed by the world’s poorest nations.
Launched in April 1997, the campaign collected 24,319,181 signatures from 166 countries before being presented at the United Nations Millennium Summit in New York in 2000.
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