Players With the Most World Cup Appearances of All-Time

Charlie Zschau Published: May 12 2026 21:12

The World Cup is creeping up on the horizon and many players will feature for the very first time, but some are will be shattering appearances records.

With the expanded 48-team format at the 2026 World Cup, even more new faces will play their first World Cup match than during previous tournaments, including for first time qualifiers Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan.

For many players, making a World Cup roster represents the highest mark of their career, but for others (namely Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo), playing World Cup match is now just a formality.

Messi and Ronaldo are both on the verge of playing in a record-breaking sixth World Cup tournament after both players tied the record in 2022.

Competition for places at the World Cup is high, so any player to feature consistently for their country is likely to be one of the best players in the world at their position.

Players with the most World Cup appearances all-time

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