Teams and players with the most World Cup appearances

In just a few short weeks the football world will converge in North America for the biggest showcase in the sport, the World Cup.

Unlike previous edition's of the tournament, in 2026 48 teams will take to the pitch as part of the showpiece, with four - Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde and Curacao - appearing for the very first time.

For many players simply appearing at the tournament represents the pinnacle of their career and an opportunity to showcase their talent on the very biggest stage.

For others though, their country qualifying for the World Cup is little more than a formality, with anything less than earning a place in tournament viewed a national disappointment.

Of course, competition for places among World Cup mainstays are high, so any player to consistently feature for their country has to consistently rank among the best in the world in their position.

Of the 80 countries to have ever reached the World Cup finals, only Brazil have featured at every single one since the tournament's inception in 1930.

No country has equalled the Selecao's five wins in the competition, and Germany are the closest to their record of 23 appearances in the finals, with the 2014 winners having appeared 21 times.

Meanwhile Mexico are the only team to feature on this list without having ever lifted the coveted trophy.

The CONCACAF giants have twice hosted the tournament, but have never progressed beyond the last eight - reaching the quarter-final twice on home soil in 1970 and 1986.

But who joins them on the list? Read on to find out.

Teams with the most World Cup appearances

1. Brazil - 23 appearances
2. Germany - 21 appearances
3. Argentina - 19 appearances
4. Italy - 18 appearances
5. Mexico - 18 appearances
6. Spain - 17 appearances
7. England - 17 appearances
8. France - 17 appearances
9. Belgium - 15 appearances
10. Uruguay - 15 appearances

Players with the most World Cup appearances

• 1. Lionel Messi (Argentina) - 26 appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
• 2. Lothar Matthaus (Germany) - 25 appearances (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998)
• 3. Miroslav Klose (Germany) - 24 appearances (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)
• 4. Paolo Maldini (Italy) - 23 appearances (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)
• 5. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) - 22 appearances (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022)
• 6. Diego Maradona (Argentina) - 21 appearances (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)
• 6. Uwe Seeler (Germany) - 21 appearances (1958, 1962, 1966, 1970)
• 6. Wladyslaw Zmuda (Poland) - 21 appearances (1974, 1978, 1982, 1986)