Age is just a number, and Edin Dzeko is proving it. The 40-year-old former Manchester City striker has been named in Bosnia-Herzegovina's 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, putting him on track to join an elite club of players who have graced the tournament after turning 40.

Dzeko, who now plays for Schalke in Germany's second tier, has been a pillar for his national team. With 148 caps and 73 international goals—including a crucial strike in the play-off semi-final win against Wales—he remains a key figure as Bosnia prepares for only their second World Cup appearance.

The list of outfield players over 40 to feature at a World Cup is remarkably short. Cameroon legend Roger Milla is the only one to have done it so far, famously scoring at the 1994 tournament at age 42. Goalkeepers have fared better, with six shot-stoppers achieving the milestone, including Egypt's Essam el Hadary (45 at the 2018 World Cup) and Italy's Dino Zoff.

Dzeko won't be the only veteran making headlines this summer. Croatia's Luka Modric, 40, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, are also expected to feature, adding more star power to the tournament.

Bosnia, who qualified through a dramatic playoff run, are in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland. The squad blends experience with youth, featuring defenders like Sead Kolasinac and midfielders such as Amir Hadziahmetovic, but all eyes will be on Dzeko as he looks to make history.

Whether he's leading the line or coming off the bench, one thing is certain: Dzeko's presence adds a compelling storyline to a World Cup already brimming with narratives. For fans of the beautiful game, watching a 40-year-old striker compete on the world's biggest stage is a reminder that passion and skill don't fade with age.