Who has played in the most FIFA World Cups?

Who has played in the most Football World Cups?

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo share the record for playing in the most FIFA World Cup tournaments, having each featured in 6 different editions (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026). They reached this historic milestone during the group stage of the 2026 tournament

While Messi and Ronaldo are the only two men to actually step onto the pitch in six separate tournaments, several legends have crossed the five-tournament threshold.

Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) — 6 tournament squads (2006–2026)* Note: He was an unused substitute in 2006 and 2010, meaning he has only physically played in 4 tournaments.

6 World Cups:


Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

5 World Cups:

Manuel Neuer (2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Luka Modric (2006, 2014, 2018, 2022, 2026)

Lothar Matthaus (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994, 1998)

Antonio Carbajal (Mexico) —  (1950–1966)

Rafael Márquez (Mexico) — (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014 and 2018)

Andrés Guardado (Mexico) — ((2006, 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022))

4 World Cups:

Miroslav Klose (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014)

Paolo Maldini (1990, 1994, 1998, 2002)

Diego Maradona (1982, 1986, 1990, 1994)

Note: Mexico's goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa and Italy's Gianluigi Buffon have both been named to 6 and 5 World Cup squads respectively, but did not physically step onto the pitch to play a match in all of them..

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