North America to host 2026 World Cup as veteran players push career limits

By Ama Serwah — 10 June 2026 — 4 min read

Preparations for the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup is set to commence on Thursday, with Canada, Mexico, and the United States serving as co-hosts. Preparations for the tournament have faced various challenges, including previous doubts regarding Iran‘s participation due to ongoing conflicts with the US. Additionally, a Somali referee, Omar Artan, was reportedly denied entry to the US this week after allegations from the Trump administration linking him to suspected members of terror organisations.

Fifa President Gianni Infantino addressed these issues during a press conference for the World Cup. He defended ticket prices and urged fans to “chill” following the incident involving the referee. The tournament is expected to bring significant attention to the co-host nations.

Veteran players defy age expectations

The upcoming 2026 World Cup is notable for the presence of several veteran outfield players who are pushing the boundaries of career longevity in football. Among them is US captain Tim Ream, who, at 38, is the oldest outfield player ever named to a US World Cup squad. Ream, who previously played for Bolton Wanderers and Fulham in the Premier League and is now with Major League Soccer (MLS) side Charlotte FC, expressed that playing in another World Cup after Qatar 2022 seemed unlikely but he was determined to try.

Ream highlighted his motivation to “pushing boundaries, pushing myself, pushing the limits of what I can physically and emotionally handle.” He also described the honour of wearing the captain’s armband in a home World Cup as incredible. His journey exemplifies a growing trend of older players maintaining elite performance levels.

Other prominent veteran outfield players participating in the tournament include Portugal superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, Luka Modric, 40, Edin Dzeko, 40, Yuto Nagatomo, 39, and Argentina legend Lionel Messi, who turns 39 later this month. These players demonstrate that the median age of footballers may be increasing, with a striking number of outfield players continuing into their late 30s and early 40s.

Historically, Cameroon’s Roger Milla, who scored at USA 1994 aged 42, was a rare example of an outfield player in their 40s at a World Cup. The current tournament features multiple such players, indicating a shift in career timelines within professional football. Goalkeepers have traditionally had longer careers, with Essam El Hadary of Egypt being the oldest World Cup player ever, participating in Russia 2018 at the age of 45.

Factors contributing to career longevity

Advances in sport science are playing a significant role in extending the careers of footballers. Modern recovery techniques, such as lymphatic draining and cryotherapy, have replaced older methods. The availability of extensive data from wearable technology, measuring biomarkers like heart rate variability and muscle oxygenation, also contributes to optimising player performance and reducing injury risks.

Ben Rosenblatt, former lead performance coach for the England men’s team, noted that increased attention to detail in training science and a greater focus on health and wellness have been crucial. He emphasised that longevity is a result of combining various tools, resources, cultural shifts, and behavioural changes within the sport.

However, experts like Vlatko Vucetic, a professor of kinesiology who has worked with Luka Modric, argue that sport science is only one component. He highlights a complex system of interlocking factors, including culture, relationships, a learning mindset, luck, resources, and the motivation to continue playing. Vucetic also stresses the importance of maintaining motivation and love for the game, as older players often face diminishing returns for their increased efforts.

Tim Ream credits Pilates, red-light therapy, and prioritising sleep for his continued performance. He also acknowledges the challenge of being away from his family but sees playing on as setting an example for his children, demonstrating grit, determination, and leadership. Paddy Hogben, a rehab strength and conditioning coach at Brentford FC, pointed to the importance of psychosocial and organisational variables, such as supportive environments and leadership qualities, in extending careers.

Hogben suggests that while economic pressures might favour younger players, senior players who bring emotional intelligence, communication abilities, and leadership on the pitch often find ways to remain valuable to their clubs. This requires a learning mindset and the ability to balance self-belief with humility throughout a player’s career.

Source: sports.yahoo.com