Ronaldo and Messi top FIFA list for most World Cup appearances
FIFA has released an official ranking of footballers with the most FIFA World Cup appearances. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have set a new record by each featuring in six World Cup tournaments, including their participation in the 2026 edition. The list also highlights seven players with five appearances and over 60 players with four. The rankings were published on the FIFA website and showcase the longevity of these football legends.
Match highlights
- Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi are now the only players to have appeared in six FIFA World Cups.
- Seven players, including Lothar Matthaus and Luka Modric, have played in five World Cup tournaments.
- Over 60 footballers have made four appearances at the FIFA World Cup.
- FIFA’s list, published on August 17, 2026, ranks players by the number of World Cup editions they have participated in.
- The release is titled “Men playing in the most World Cups” and was made available on the FIFA website.
