Select theme:

Search

Newsletter image

Subscribe to the Newsletter

Join 10k+ people to get notified about new posts, news and tips.

Do not worry we don't spam!

GDPR Compliance

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

  • Home
  • Football
  • Who has the most appearances in World Cup history?

Who has the most appearances in World Cup history?

Published on November 01, 2022 at 02:34 AM

MANY players only get a chance to play in one or two World Cups, with the vast majority not going to any at all.

However, a handful of players have done it not once, not twice, but five times.

Diego Maradona celebrates after Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2 in the 1986 World Cup final

Brazil are the only nation to appear in all 21 tournaments, with Germany having competed in 19.

Italy have participated in the third most, with 18 World Cup appearances under their belt. However, they will miss out this year after failing to qualify.

Who has the most appearances in World Cup history?

Former Germany midfielder Lothar Matthaus has recorded the most appearances in the World Cup, ranking up 25 games over five tournaments.

Miroslav Klose has the second most, having played one game less. The German notably also holds the record for the most goals scored at the tournament, netting 16 times.

Legendary defender Paolo Maldini is next on the list with 23 appearances for Italy.

Argentina’s beloved Diego Maradona is fourth placed, having recorded 21 appearances and scored some iconic goals along the way. Few were more famous than the ‘hand of God’ goal against England during the semi-final of the 1986 World Cup.

Diego Maradona scores his “Hand of God” goal against England during the 1986 World Cup semi-final

Lionel Messi is 14th on the all-time list, and is set to play in his fifth tournament in Qatar amid his possible transfer to Inter Miami.

Notable mentions must go to Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal and Rafael Marquez, who are the only other players alongside Matthaus to compete in 5 World Cups.

Here is a list of the top 10:

  1. Lothar Matthaus (25) – Germany
  2. Miroslav Klose (24) – Germany
  3. Paolo Maldini (23) – Italy
  4. Diego Maradona (21) – Argentina
  5. Uwe Seeler (21) – Germany
  6. Wladyslaw Zmuda (21) – Poland
  7. Cafu (20) – Brazil
  8. Philipp Lahm (20) – Germany
  9. Javier Mascherano (20) – Argentina
  10. Bastian Schweinsteiger (20) – Germany
  • Share:
Flying Eze

Flying Eze

Wayne Rooney’s head was cut open on night out by flying plate thrown by his youngest son
Prev Article

Wayne Rooney’s head was cut open on night out by flying plate thrown by his youngest son

Next Article

Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood dress up as Grease’s Danny and Sandy as pair don black leather jackets for Halloween

Jack Grealish and Sasha Attwood dress up as Grease’s Danny and Sandy as pair don black leather jackets for Halloween

Related to this topic:

Comments (0):

Be the first to write a comment.

Post Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *