As the world focuses on North America for the best 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026, the tournament is already historic because there is a very large age difference between the oldest and youngest players.
Youngest Player in FIFA World Cup 2026
Gilberto Mora
Gilberto Mora from Mexico is the youngest player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He will be 17 years and 240 days old when the tournament starts on June 11, 2026.
Gilberto Rafael Mora Zambrano (born October 14, 2008) is a Mexican football player. He plays as an attacking midfielder for the Liga MX club Tijuana (Xolos de Tijuana) and for the Mexico national team.
Gilberto Mora Notable Stats and Notable Achievements
- 2026/26 Clausura: 1 goal and 0 assists
- U-20 World Cup: Star player for Mexico; scored 2 goals vs. Spain, created 5 chances vs. Brazil
- CONCACAF Gold Cup: He played 3 matches, started the Gold Cup final as a 16-year old.
- International: He played 3 friendly matches for Mexico in front of Ghana and Australia also.
MLS All-Star: 1 appearance, scored a goal vs. LA
Oldest Player in FIFA World Cup 2026
Craig Gordon
Craig Gordon from Scotland is the oldest player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He will be 43 years and 162 days old when the tournament starts on June 11, 2026.
Gordon is a Scottish football player born on December 31, 1982, who plays as a goalkeeper. He has played more times for Scotland than any other goalkeeper, with 75 appearances for the national team. He is making history by helping Scotland qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Career Journey
| Club | Period | Appearances | Notable |
| Hearts (youth-senior) | 2022-2007 | 41 | Scottish Cup winner 2006; Scottish Football Writers’ Player of the Year |
| Sunderland | 2007-2012 | 93 | £9m transfer; injuries disrupted career |
| Celtic | 2014-2020 | 242 | Has won multiple league titles and has returned to top form |
| Hearts (return) | 2020-present | 155+ | Still playing at 43, number 1 shirt |
The Incredible Comeback Story
Craig Gordon had a terrible double leg break last summer that almost ended his career. He also had a shoulder injury that kept him out for 465 days. He almost retired in summer 2024, but manager Steve Clarke said he might still need him for the World Cup qualifiers.
Also Read: Lionel Messi’s World Cup Journey: A Little boy from Rosario to a World Champion
Cristiano Ronaldo, who is 41 years and 126 days old, is the oldest field player in the tournament. Gordon is the oldest player overall as a goalkeeper.
