As we near ever closer to the finals in Russia, Goal takes a look at the oldest players to have represented their countries at the tournament
Getty Images17Mario Yepes – Colombia – 38y 5m 21d
Former Paris Saint-Germain centre-back Mario Yepes registered 102 international appearances for Colombia, making his senior debut in 1999 and ending it in 2014 following his side's exit from the Brazil World Cup.
Colombia took on the hosts during the quarter-final stage of the competition, with Yepes captaining the side at the age of 38.
AdvertisementGetty Images16Vitor Damas – Portugal – 38y 8m 3dPortugal played three games at World Cup 1986, beating England 1-0 but losing the other two and ultimately dropping out of the tournament at the bottom of Group F. Damas played in both of the defeats as a stand-in for the injured Manuel Bento but would retire on his return from Mexico.15David Seaman – England – 38y 9m 2d
The England squad of 2002 was dubbed a Golden Generation by supporters and looked value for money as they eased into the quarter-final stage of the Korea/Japan World Cup.
Seaman, the most senior member of the Three Lions XI at 38, would ultimately play a part in his country's abrupt exit, though, as Brazil's Ronaldinho floated a ball over the top of the former Arsenal goalkeeper from distance in the 50th minute of the tie, sending the Brazilians through to the final four.
14Jan Heintze – Denmark – 38y 9m 20d
Ex-PSV full-back Jan Heintze recorded 86 appearances for Denmark, ending his international career after the 2002 Korea/Japan World Cup.
Heintze captained Denmark to a 1-1 draw with Senegal during a Group A meeting, aged 38, but then failed to register another appearance as Denmark went on to be knocked out by England in the Round of 16.