From Cristiano Ronaldo to Luka Modric, here are the 10 oldest players competing at the 2026 World Cup

A career of records and reinventions has turned Ronaldo into a central figure in any story about Portugal and football’s global reach, even as his role evolves

From a childhood refugee to Ballon d’Or winner and Croatia’s captain, Modrić’s longevity and leadership make him a defining figure in World Cup 2026 coverage

The 38-year-old scored twice against Austria in Dallas, moving to 18 career World Cup goals and drawing praise from Ronaldo Nazário, Miroslav Klose and others

Belgium had the larger shot count, but a former Red Flames goalkeeper said Thibaut Courtois was the reason Rudi Garcia’s side avoided a damaging defeat

The 18-year-old scored in his first World Cup start for Spain, matching rare youth marks that put him just behind Pelé in the record book

Coach Jesse Marsch was visibly moved after the 24-year-old’s leg injury, saying Koné is central to Canada’s future while the team awaits his recovery

Social media criticism of several Portugal players has intensified after Cristiano Ronaldo played the full match in a draw with DR Congo

As the expanded 2026 tournament opens, Messi appears strongest at the ticket window, Ronaldo still dominates global attention, and Mbappe owns the clearest on-field momentum