With less than three weeks remaining before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, veteran Sebastián Soria has emerged as one of the tournament’s most unexpected storylines as the 42-year-old striker attempts to secure a place in Qatar’s squad and potentially rewrite World Cup history, placing Roger Milla’s record under threat.
The Uruguayan-born forward is aiming to become one of the oldest outfield players ever to feature at the global tournament, placing long-standing records under renewed attention.
Born in Paysandú, Uruguay, Soria began his professional career with Liverpool Fútbol Club before relocating to Qatar in 2004, a move that transformed the course of his football career.
Over time, he became one of the most recognisable figures in Qatari football. After obtaining citizenship, he joined the national team in 2007 and went on to build a lengthy international career with more than 120 appearances and close to 40 goals for Qatar.
Soria also established himself at club level in the Middle East through spells with Al-Rayyan SC and Qatar SC, two of the country’s most prominent sides.
Despite his achievements, the striker had appeared to fade from the international picture in recent years and was absent from Qatar’s squad for the 2022 World Cup.
His fortunes changed following the appointment of Julen Lopetegui as Qatar coach. The Spaniard decided to recall the experienced forward as part of the country’s preparations for the 2026 tournament.
The decision quickly generated excitement among supporters, particularly after Soria played a role in Qatar’s qualifying victory over the United Arab Emirates.
One of the defining moments of his return came when Qatar captain Akram Afif handed Soria the captain’s armband during an official match, a gesture widely viewed as recognition of the veteran’s standing within the squad.
If selected for the World Cup, Soria would place himself among the oldest outfield players to appear at the tournament.
The current record belongs to Roger Milla, who represented Cameroon national football team at the 1994 World Cup at the age of 42.
Soria’s possible participation has therefore drawn comparisons with the Cameroonian legend as anticipation builds ahead of the competition in North America.
The overall record for the oldest player to appear at a World Cup, however, remains with Essam El-Hadary. The goalkeeper represented Egypt national football team at the 2018 World Cup at the age of 45.
Soria’s potential inclusion would nevertheless represent a remarkable late-career achievement for a player who appeared to have seen his international opportunities disappear only a few years ago.
Now, with the World Cup only 20 days away, the experienced striker finds himself back in contention and on the verge of becoming one of the most talked-about figures heading into football’s biggest tournament.
