Only 2 players have played in 6 World Cups so far: Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

They became the first to reach that mark at the 2026 World Cup, surpassing the previous record of 5 appearances held by a small group of players.

Quick list

  • Lionel Messi — 6 World Cups
  • Cristiano Ronaldo — 6 World Cups

Context

Before 2026, the most anyone had played in was 5 World Cups, which had been done by players including Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthäus, Rafael Márquez, Andrés Guardado, and Messi and Ronaldo before their sixth tournament.