After 36 years, Canadian soccer is finally returning to the World Cup Final Week stage in 2022. On this historic occasion, 39-year-old captain Eddie Bakhtin celebrated the first World Cup of his career, a long overdue honor that he will never regret. Not only did he become the second oldest non-goalkeeper in the history of the World Cup Final Week, behind Cameroon's legendary goal scorer Mina, but he also became the second oldest player in the history of the World Cup Final Week to have played in a World Cup.
When it comes to Canadian soccer superstars, we have to mention Alphonsus Davies, the 22-year-old "left-sided killer" who plays for Bayern Munich in Germany. However, when it comes to status, Eddie Bakhtelsen is unrivaled, and he's been hailed as one of the longest standing players in the game. Over the years, he has moved from Copenhagen and Yenhoven to Bisidas in Turkey, and his solid style of play illustrates what it means to have a good time.
Eddie Bacharjeschen has fought for Canada for 19 years and has returned from World Cup qualifiers in defeat on several occasions. Now, he is finally standing on the field during the final week of the World Cup and is overwhelmed with emotion. He has made 98 appearances for the Canadian national team and is on track to become the first 100-game player during this World Cup, which would not only be a personal honor, but a huge contribution to national soccer.
It is worth noting that the oldest non-goalkeeper player in the history of the World Cup is Cameroon's Mina, who had competed at the age of 42 years and 1 month and 8 days. Eddie Bakhtetchen is second at 39 years, nine months and 17 days. With the 2026 World Cup to be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, Eddie Bakhtetsen will have a chance to break Mina's record if he continues to play.
