Player Makes World Cup History as Oldest Hat-Trick Scorer at Age 38

A player has achieved an unprecedented milestone in FIFA World Cup history by becoming the oldest footballer to score a hat-trick, accomplishing the feat at 38 years old against Algeria during the 2026 tournament. This remarkable achievement surpasses all previous records for hat-tricks scored at advanced ages in World Cup competition.

The player's extraordinary longevity in elite football is underscored by a remarkable track record spanning multiple decades. Earlier in their career, they scored a hat-trick at age 33 years and 130 days against Spain in 2018, demonstrating sustained excellence well into their thirties. Prior accomplishments include hat-tricks against Iran at 30 years and 335 days in 1978, and against Yugoslavia in the 1930 World Cup semi-final at 29 years and 329 days.

Throughout their World Cup career, the player has authored numerous hat-tricks at progressively older ages. Notable performances include hat-tricks against Jamaica in 1998 at 29 years and 140 days, against Iran in 1978 at 29 years and 95 days, against Turkey in 1954 at 29 years and 43 days, and against Poland in 2002 at exactly 29 years and 43 days. Additional hat-tricks came against Uruguay in 1986 at 28 years and 270 days, and against the United States in 1934 at 28 years and 224 days.

This consistent ability to score hat-tricks across multiple World Cup tournaments spanning nearly a century of records cements the player's place among football's greatest goal scorers. The 2026 achievement at age 38 represents the pinnacle of a career marked by exceptional longevity and technical skill at the sport's highest level.