Multiple outlets report that the World Cup is set to include outfield players aged 40 or older for the first time since 1994. They note that across eight tournament editions and roughly 32 years, no outfield player at that age has appeared at the tournament, making the upcoming participation a notable milestone. The reports say a high-profile trio is expected to join this rare group, highlighting both the players’ longevity and the infrequency of such selections at World Cup level. While the articles focus on the broader historical context—linking the 1994 precedent to the current moment—they agree on the central points: the age threshold of 40 applies to outfield players, the last occurrence dates back to 1994, and the forthcoming tournament will mark their first appearance after a long gap. Overall, the coverage frames the development as a statistical first, based on the tournament’s recent history and the announced expectations for the players involved.