Why is this match historic?

It is the first match in the history of the World Cup where two outfield players over 40 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, participate simultaneously.

How old are Ronaldo and Modrić?

Both footballers were born in 1985, which means that they will turn 40 in the year of the 2026 World Cup, leading their teams as captains.

What stage of the tournament is it?

It is a round of 16 match that is played in the city of Toronto, with qualification to the quarterfinals at stake for the winner.

How many World Cups have they played together?

Adding the participations of Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, the two captains have a total of 49 matches played in the history of the World Cups.

Ronaldo vs. Modrić: the 40-year duel that makes history

Two 40-year-old legends collide in Toronto in an unprecedented match due to age in the history of the World Cups.

ByKostadin Stamboliev1 sourcePublished Jul 3, 1:06 AM

Ronaldo vs. Modrić: the 40-year duel that makes history

Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modrić, both born in 1985, perform in an unprecedented milestone at the 2026 World Cup by leading their teams in a round of 16 duel that rewrites the longevity record books. The match in Toronto marks the first time in the tournament's history that two outfield players over the age of 40 share the field simultaneously. Portugal striker Ronaldo and Croatia midfielder Modrić have a combined 49 World Cup appearances, challenging the biological conventions of modern elite football.

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