Four veteran players to reach six World Cups in 2026

Four football players who participated in the 2006 World Cup in Germany are set to compete in the 2026 World Cup in America. The athletes are Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Guillermo Ochoa, and Luka Modric. By participating, they will reach a record of six consecutive World Cup appearances. This group comprises the only four players remaining active from the original 736 individuals who played in the 2006 tournament. Lionel Messi has recorded 26 appearances in World Cup matches, followed by Cristiano Ronaldo with 22. Luka Modric has accumulated 19 appearances, while 40-year-old goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has recorded 11. These statistics highlight their sustained professional longevity over two decades of international competition.