Sebastián Soria, a 42-year-old forward for Qatar, has been included in the 34-player preliminary squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup announced in May 2026 [1, 2]. If he plays in the tournament, he will break Roger Milla's record as the oldest outfield player, set in 1994 at 42 years and 39 days [1, 2]. Currently, the oldest player to appear at a World Cup is goalkeeper Essam El Hadary of Egypt, who was 45 years and 161 days old in 2018 [1, 2].
Soria's international career appeared to have ended in 2017 when he missed the 2022 World Cup, but he was recalled to Qatar's national team in October 2025 for a decisive qualifying match against UAE, appearing as a substitute and helping secure a win [1, 2]. Born in Uruguay, Soria moved to Qatar's league in 2004 and debuted internationally in 2007, scoring 39 goals in more than 100 appearances for the national team [1, 2].
Qatar's 2026 World Cup group includes Canada, Switzerland, and Bosnia-Herzegovina [1]. The team will open its campaign against Switzerland on June 13 in San Francisco [1]. Soria expressed pride in his return, saying, "Proud to wear the Al Anabi jersey once again and represent this beautiful country" [1].
The final 26-player squad for Qatar will be announced before the tournament begins. The inclusion of Soria in the preliminary roster highlights his rare longevity in international football at age 42 [1, 2].
