10 players with most World Cup appearances

Few achievements in football reflect longevity, consistency and elite performance as having the most appearances at the FIFA World Cup.

While thousands of players have featured on football’s biggest stage since the tournament began in 1930, only a select group have managed to compete across multiple editions, representing their countries over decades and different generations.

EXPLAINER: Defensive tactics shaping the 2026 World Cup

At the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, extended his place at the top of the all-time list, further cementing his status as the player with the most World Cup appearances in history.

Below is a look at the 10 players with the most FIFA World Cup appearances.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 28 Appearances

Lionel Messi holds the record for the most appearances in FIFA World Cup history.

The Argentina captain made his World Cup debut against Serbia and Montenegro in 2006 and has featured in six tournaments. His appearances span two decades and include Argentina’s World Cup triumph in Qatar in 2022.

Messi surpassed Germany’s Lothar Matthäus during the 2022 tournament and has continued to extend his record at the 2026 World Cup.

Lothar Matthäus (Germany) – 25 Appearances

For more than 20 years, Lothar Matthäus held the record for most World Cup appearances.

The German midfielder played in five World Cups between 1982 and 1998 and captained West Germany to victory at Italia 1990.

His tally of 25 appearances remained the benchmark until Messi moved ahead.

Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 24 Appearances

Miroslav Klose ranks third on the all-time list.

The striker featured in four World Cups between 2002 and 2014 and helped Germany win the title in Brazil in 2014.

Klose is also the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, underlining his impact on the global stage.

Paolo Maldini (Italy) – 23 Appearances

One of football’s most respected defenders, Paolo Maldini represented Italy at four World Cups from 1990 to 2002.

Although he never won the competition, Maldini accumulated 23 appearances and remains Italy’s most-capped player in World Cup history.

Diego Maradona (Argentina) – 21 Appearances

Diego Maradona played in four World Cups between 1982 and 1994.

He captained Argentina to the 1986 World Cup title in Mexico and also led the nation to the final in 1990.

His 21 appearances place him among the tournament’s most influential players.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 21 Appearances

Cristiano Ronaldo shares fifth place with 21 appearances.

The Portugal captain made his World Cup debut in 2006 and became the first men’s player to score in six different World Cups.

His longevity at international level has kept him among the competition’s appearance leaders.

Władysław Żmuda (Poland) – 21 Appearances

Poland defender Władysław Żmuda featured in four World Cups between 1974 and 1986.

A key member of Poland’s most successful generation, he helped the country secure third-place finishes in 1974 and 1982.

Philipp Lahm (Germany) – 20 Appearances

Philipp Lahm captained Germany to World Cup glory in 2014.

The versatile defender played in four tournaments and made 20 appearances, establishing himself as one of Germany’s most dependable performers.

Javier Mascherano (Argentina) – 20 Appearances

Javier Mascherano represented Argentina at four World Cups and reached the final in 2014.

Known for his leadership and tactical intelligence, the midfielder finished his World Cup career with 20 appearances.

Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany) – 20 Appearances

Completing the top 10 is Germany midfielder Bastian Schweinsteiger.

A member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, Schweinsteiger played in four tournaments between 2006 and 2014 and made 20 appearances.