While the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to unveil the next generation of global superstars, the tournament will also become a celebration of extraordinary longevity as three veteran managers prepare to rewrite one of football’s oldest records.
For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, the record for the oldest coach to manage a team at the tournament will be broken multiple times during the same competition.
The long-standing benchmark belongs to German tactician, Otto Rehhagel, who was 71 years old when he guided Greece at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Rehhagel, celebrated for masterminding Greece’s sensational triumph at UEFA Euro 2004, ended his international coaching career after that tournament.
Sixteen years later, his record is finally set to fall; and not just once.
Rehhagel’s Historic Record Finally Under Threat
Throughout the qualification campaign, it became increasingly clear that several veteran coaches were in line to surpass Rehhagel’s mark.
What nobody anticipated, however, was the dramatic sequence of events that would see the record potentially change hands three separate times within just a few days of the tournament’s opening.
Among those poised to make history are Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat, South Africa manager Hugo Broos and Czechia boss Miroslav Koubek.
Each man has enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished coaching career, but all now have the opportunity to carve their names into FIFA World Cup history.
Dick Advocaat’ Return Sets Up Record Chase
When Curaçao secured qualification for the World Cup, Dutch coaching icon, Dick Advocaat appeared destined to become the oldest coach ever to manage at football’s biggest tournament.
At 78 years old, Advocaat has enjoyed one of the most extensive managerial careers in football history.
The veteran has coached numerous national teams including the Netherlands, South Korea, Russia and Iraq, while also enjoying success across club football.
Curaçao’s qualification was historic in its own right.
With a population of just over 150,000 people, the Caribbean nation became the smallest country by population ever to qualify for a FIFA World Cup.
However, Advocaat’s record-breaking journey nearly came to an unexpected end.
In February, the Dutchman stepped down from his role due to health concerns involving his daughter.
He recommended fellow Dutch coach and former PSV Eindhoven manager Fred Rutten as his replacement.
Rutten’s tenure proved difficult.
Under his guidance, Curaçao suffered a 2-0 defeat to China before being thrashed 5-1 by Australia during March friendlies.
Fortunately for Curaçao, the health of Advocaat’s daughter improved, allowing him to return to the dugout only weeks before the World Cup after Rutten amicably stepped aside.
The comeback means Advocaat is once again set to challenge for the record.
The Coach Who Could Have Broken Every Record
Before Advocaat emerged as the leading contender, another veteran manager appeared likely to set an even more remarkable milestone.
Romania coach, Mircea Lucescu was already 80 years old during his country’s World Cup playoff semifinal against Türkiye.
However, Romania failed to qualify after losing the tie, ending Lucescu’s hopes of appearing at the tournament.
Tragically, less than two weeks later, Lucescu passed away.
The legendary Romanian remains one of football’s most respected coaches, particularly remembered for his highly successful 12-year spell with Ukrainian giants Shakhtar Donetsk.
Hugo Broos To Break Record In World Cup Opener
The first coach scheduled to surpass Rehhagel’s record is South Africa manager, Hugo Broos.
The Belgian tactician, born on April 10, 1952, is 74 years old and will lead Bafana Bafana when they face hosts Mexico in the opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 11 in Mexico City.
Broos has been in charge of South Africa since 2021 and helped guide the nation to a third-place finish at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
His reign has not been without controversy.
He came under criticism following South Africa’s round-of-16 exit to Cameroon at AFCON and was also at the center of a World Cup qualifying controversy when South Africa fielded suspended midfielder Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
The incident resulted in a three-point deduction.
Despite the setback, South Africa still finished above Nigeria to qualify for the World Cup, ensuring Broos would remain in charge and move into the record books.
For a few hours, at least.
Czechia’s Miroslav Koubek Set To Take The Crown
No sooner will Broos establish the record than Czechia manager Miroslav Koubek is expected to surpass him.
Although both men are 74 years old, Koubek was born on September 1, 1951, making him older than the South African coach.
Czechia face South Korea in Guadalajara later on June 11, meaning Koubek’s appearance will officially make him the oldest coach in World Cup history.
Koubek’s rise to international football came surprisingly late.
The veteran was appointed only in December after Czechia suffered an embarrassing 2-1 defeat to the Faroe Islands.
Tasked with rescuing the qualification campaign, Koubek transformed the team’s fortunes and led them through the playoffs, defeating both the Republic of Ireland and Denmark via penalty shootouts.
When Advocaat briefly stepped down earlier this year, Koubek appeared amused by the prospect of inheriting the record.
“I have heard that Curaçao coach Dick Advocaat is not going, he has stepped down, so I’ll be the oldest one. So what?” Koubek remarked after qualification was secured.
His stay at the top of the list, however, may last barely 48 hours.
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Then Comes Dick Advocaat
When Curaçao take on Germany on June 14, Advocaat will finally seize the record.
At 78 years old, he will become the oldest coach ever to lead a team at a FIFA World Cup, eclipsing both Broos and Koubek.
The achievement would add another remarkable chapter to a managerial career spanning more than four decades.
It’s Not Just The Coaches Defying Age
The trend of longevity is not limited to the touchline.
Several players heading to the World Cup are also continuing to defy conventional footballing timelines.
- – Mexico legend, Guillermo Ochoa has been included in his sixth FIFA World Cup squad at the age of 40.
- – Scotland goalkeeper, Craig Gordon is even older at 43 and remains a key member of Steve Clarke’s squad.
Yet neither player holds the World Cup age record.
That distinction belongs to Essam El Hadary, who represented Egypt at the 2018 World Cup at the age of 45 years and 161 days.
Former Colombia goalkeeper Faryd Mondragón also made history when he appeared at the 2014 tournament shortly after turning 43.
A World Cup Where Experience Will Shine
While the spotlight will inevitably fall on teenage sensations and emerging stars throughout the tournament, the 2026 FIFA World Cup will also celebrate football’s elder statesmen.
From Advocaat’s extraordinary comeback to Broos and Koubek’s historic milestones, the competition will prove that age remains just a number when experience, knowledge and passion continue to drive success at the highest level.
And when the tournament begins in North America, one of FIFA’s longest-standing records will finally become part of football history.
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