World Cup 2026 squads: Oldest, youngest, most valuable teams - where do Hosts rank?
June 1, 2026 was the final deadline for countries to submit their official 26-player squads for the FIFA World Cup 2026. With the tournament approaching in the USA, Mexico, and Canada, teams are now preparing through international friendly matches.
Players from different generations will compete for football's biggest prize. Some squads are packed with experience, while others are built around young talent.
Panama Have the Oldest Squad
Panama have the oldest squad at the 2026 World Cup, with an average age of 30.4 years.
Thirteen players in their squad are aged 30 or older. The oldest player is midfielder Alberto Quintero, who is 38 years old. Captain Anibal Godoy is 36, while Luis Mejia, Eric Davis, and Cecilio Waterman are all 35.
Colombia are second with an average age of 30.1 years, led by experienced players such as David Ospina, Camilo Vargas, and James Rodriguez.
Oldest Squads at World Cup 2026
Panama – 30.4 years
Colombia – 30.1 years
Cape Verde – 29.6 years
Brazil – 29.2 years
Scotland – 29.2 years
Scotland's Craig Gordon Is the Oldest Player
Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon will be the oldest player at the tournament at 43 years old.
He made his international debut in 2004 and continues to play professionally for Heart of Midlothian F.C..
However, he will not become the oldest player in World Cup history. That record still belongs to Essam El Hadary, who played at the 2018 World Cup at age 45.
Ecuador Have the Youngest Squad
Ecuador bring the youngest squad to the tournament, with an average age of 25.7 years.
Twelve players are under the age of 25, while only three players are older than 30. Goalkeeper Hernan Galindez is the oldest squad member at 39.
Teenage star Kendry Páez, aged 19, is the youngest player in Ecuador's squad.
Youngest Squads at World Cup 2026
Ecuador – 25.7 years
Ivory Coast – 25.8 years
Morocco – 26.3 years
Tunisia – 26.6 years
Spain – 26.7 years
Mexico's Gilberto Mora Is the Youngest Player
Mexico midfielder Gilberto Mora is the youngest player selected for the World Cup.
Born in October 2008, he is 17 years old and the only player of that age at the tournament. He already has seven appearances for Mexico and has attracted interest from top European clubs.
Despite this achievement, he will not become the youngest player in World Cup history. That record belongs to Norman Whiteside, who played in the 1982 World Cup at just 17 years and 41 days old.
England's Average Squad Age
England's squad has an average age of 27.5 years, making them one of the younger teams in the competition.
They rank as the 29th-oldest squad among all World Cup teams.
Midfielder Jordan Henderson is England's oldest player at 35, while Kobbie Mainoo is the youngest at 21.
France Have the Most Valuable Squad
According to Transfermarkt estimates, France have the most valuable squad at the World Cup, worth around £1.28 billion.
The squad includes stars such as Kylian Mbappé, valued at £173.1 million, Michael Olise at £129.8 million, and Ousmane Dembélé at £86.6 million.
England Rank Second in Squad Value
England have the second-most valuable squad at the tournament, with an estimated value of £1.13 billion.
This is despite the absence of players such as Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Most Valuable Squads at World Cup 2026
France – £1.28 billion
England – £1.13 billion
Spain – £1.10 billion
Germany – £880 million
Portugal – £828.4 million
Key World Cup 2026 Squad Facts
Oldest squad: Panama (30.4 years)
Youngest squad: Ecuador (25.7 years)
Oldest player: Craig Gordon (Scotland, 43)
Youngest player: Gilberto Mora (Mexico, 17)
Most valuable squad: France (£1.28 billion)
England's squad age: 27.5 years
England's squad value: £1.13 billion
Where Do USA Rank in Average World Cup Squad Ages?
The USA have one of the younger squads at the 2026 World Cup, reflecting the country's focus on developing young talent. Their squad includes several players in their early and mid-20s, giving the team a balance of youth and international experience.
Where Do Canada Rank in Average World Cup Squad Ages?
Canada's squad sits around the middle of the World Cup age rankings. The team combines experienced leaders with a new generation of emerging players.
Where Do Mexico Rank in Average World Cup Squad Ages?
Mexico's squad is slightly more experienced than many of the younger teams at the tournament. The team includes several veteran players while also introducing promising young talents such as 17-year-old Gilberto Mora.
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