Most Appearances at the FIFA World Cup

The World Cup is football’s biggest stage. As the 2026 edition approaches, we’re going to take a look at the players with the most appearances in the tournament’s history and who could find themselves joining the list this summer.

Lionel Messi, Argentina – 26 Appearances – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

The number one spot is taken by perhaps the greatest player of all time, Lionel Messi. Should he be selected for the 2026 edition, he could add to his already incredible tally of 26 World Cup appearances. He has featured in five tournaments already, reaching the knock-out phase every time and the final twice. Messi achieved football’s ultimate prize at Qatar in ‘22, triumphing over France in a dramatic final. Can the Argentinian magician add to his tally in North America this year?

Lothar Matthäus, West Germany – 25 Appearances – 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998

Lothar Matthäus is Germany’s most capped player and claims the number two spot. Matthäus appeared in 25 games across five World Cups, reaching the quarter-finals in all five, semi-finals in three and winning once. The midfield general played in every minute of his side’s 1990 campaign, captaining them to World Cup victory and winning the Ballon d’Or later that year. Matthäus’ final World Cup match came in 1998, coming on as a substitute after a surprise call-up to end his illustrious international career.

Miroslav Klose, Germany – 24 Appearances – 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014

Miroslav Klose made 24 appearances across four different tournaments on his way to becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer. The German forward was incredibly prolific in World Cups, notching an unmatched 16 goals in his career, form which he rarely duplicated at club level. Klose scored five in ‘02 and ‘06, four in ‘10, and two in the ‘14 tournament which he won.

Paolo Maldini, Italy – 23 Appearances – 1990, 1994, 1998, 2002

Legendary Italian defender Paolo Maldini was a picture of consistency across his career. Maldini made his World Cup debut on home soil in 1990, reaching the semi-final before eventually finishing third. Maldini went one better at the ‘94 tournament, going all the way to the final before suffering an agonizing defeat to Brazil. Maldini would play in two more editions, but never got his hands on the World Cup.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal – 22 Appearances – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022

Another icon of the game, Cristiano Ronaldo has appeared in 22 World Cup matches. The Portuguese forward has a chance to move further up the list this Summer if he is selected to travel to North America. Ronaldo first featured in 2006 as a young, flamboyant winger, but has since developed into the experienced, imperious forward we see today. His World Cup career has ultimately left a lot to be desired, with a semi-final appearance in ‘06 never being bettered.

Diego Maradona, Argentina – 21 Appearances – 1982, 1986, 1990, 1994

Diego Maradona made 21 appearances across four World Cups between 1982 and 1994, reaching the final twice and winning once. The inimitable Argentinian had a somewhat disappointing debut in 1982, but had a memorable performance in the ‘86 edition, contributing to 10 of his side’s 14 goals, including the infamous “Hand of God”, on the way to winning the tournament. Argentina would again reach the final in 1990, losing to West Germany, before Maradona’s World Cup career ended in unceremonious fashion in ‘94 after failing a drugs test.

Uwe Seeler, Germany – 21 Appearances – 1958, 1962, 1966, 1970

Uwe Seeler had a long and prolific World Cup career as West Germany’s centre-forward but never managed to win the tournament. Seeler’s World Cup career is agonizingly sandwiched between two West German victories in the ’54 and ’74 editions, which came immediately before and after Seeler’s tenure. However, the striker did manage to reach the semi-finals in three of his four World Cups, and reached the final in ‘66 which West Germany lost to England.

Wladyslaw Zmuda, Poland – 21 Appearances – 1974, 1978, 1982, 1986

Perhaps one of the lesser-known names on this list, Zmuda was a key part of Polish football’s “golden era” from 1974-86. After failing to qualify for the World Cup since before World War II, Poland would finish third in both ’74 and ’82, with Zmuda a stalwart of the defence in both editions. Zmuda’s final appearance came in the ’86 tournament after which Poland would again fail to qualify for three World Cup cycles. Zmuda racked up an impressive 21 appearances across his career, though never scored a goal.

 Six players – 20 Appearances

Only a handful more players have had the honour of appearing in 20 World Cup matches, all of whom are legends of the game.

Poland’s Gregorz Lato played in three tournaments from 1974-82 and won the Golden Boot at the ’74 edition. Brazilian fullback Cafu won the tournament in 1994 and again as captain in 2002 after finishing runner-up in ‘98 and is the only player ever to play in three World Cup finals.

Another legendary fullback Philipp Lahm played 20 matches across three World Cups for Germany. He appeared in two finals, winning the 2014 edition as captain. Bastian Schweinsteiger was also a key member of that Germany team. The midfielder played twenty times between 2006-14, scoring twice along the way.

Argentina’s Javier Mascherano played in four tournaments, his best finish as runner-up to Germany in 2014. Mascherano just missed out on World Cup victory having retired prior to Argentina’s victorious 2022 campaign. Finally, France’s Hugo Lloris also played 20 times and tasted World Cup triumph back in 2018. The goalkeeper couldn’t save any spot kicks during France’s loss on penalties to Argentina four years later.

Who could join the list in 2026?

A number of experienced players will be in contention to go to this summer’s tournament and add to their tallies. Both Messi and Ronaldo have the chance to add to their totals if selected, and the latter could overtake his rival should Portugal go on a deep run and Argentina struggle.

Among those who could join the list include Luka Modrić, who has been the central figure in Croatia’s recent “golden age” at major tournaments and already has 19 World Cup caps to his name. Ivan Perišić and Mateo Kovačić also have 17 and 15 respectively for the same team and will be hoping to be selected for the summer’s tournament.

Belgian number one Thibaut Courtois will likely add to his 15 caps in North America, while Japan’s Yūto Nagatomo will be hoping to play in his fifth World Cup and build on his own tally of 15.

Final mention goes to Kylian Mbappé, who has played in 14 matches across two tournaments, reaching the final on both occasions. The Frenchman has notched 12 goals in these 14 games, an incredible strike rate he will hope to continue with a strong French side this summer.

With the 2026 World Cup’s expanded format, teams can play a maximum of eight games at the tournament. Could we see records broken this summer in North America?