Top 5 teams with the most participations in FIFA World Cup history

The FIFA World Cup is the premier football tournament, held every four years since 1930. Notable teams include Brazil, with 23 appearances, Germany, participating 20 times, and Argentina, 19 times.

Brazil are the only to take part in every FIFA World Cup history. Image | FIFA

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, showcasing the world's best teams every four years. Since its inception in 1930, a select group of nations has dominated the tournament by their consistent qualifications. Here’s a detailed look at the five teams with the most appearances in FIFA World Cup history.

#5 Mexico and Italy | 18

Mexico were one of the 13 countries which participated in the first-ever FIFA World Cup in 1930. Although they finished 13th in that tournament, they went on to become one of the best football teams on their continent.

Since then, they have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 18 times, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, where they are the co-hosts alongside Canada and U.S.A.

In the 1934 FIFA World Cup, they did not qualify and then opted out of the next one in 1938. In 1974 and 1982, they did not qualify again, and then in 1990, they were banned.

Mexico are the country with the most FIFA World Cup participations without ever winning it.

In the meantime, Italy have also qualified for the FIFA World Cup 18 times, out of the 23 editions. They debuted in the 1934 FIFA World Cup, which they went on to win, along with the next one as well.

The Azzurri have won the FIFA World Cup four times (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006). Except for the 1952 and 2022 ones, they qualified for every FIFA World Cup. They are yet to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026, though.

#3 Argentina | 19

The current World Champions have participated in 19 FIFA World Cups since their debut in 1930. Since their debut, they have won the FIFA World Cup three times in 1978, 1986 and 2022.

It was only once in 1970 when the La Albiceleste did not qualify for the FIFA World Cup. From 1938 to 1954, they withdrew their names from participating in three consecutive FIFA World Cups.

They have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Read Also: Qualified teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026: Full list

#2 Germany | 20

Germany are the second most successful team in terms of participation at the FIFA World Cup. They are also the second most successful team in the tournament's history with 4 titles (1954, 1974, 1990, 2014), equal with Italy.

Germany debuted in the 1934 FIFA World Cup and, after playing in the 1938 FIFA World Cup, were then banned from participating in the 1950 edition.

Since 1954, they have qualified for every edition of the tournament. However, they are yet to qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Read Also: 5 top tournaments to watch on OTTplay in November

#1 Brazil | 23

Brazil are the only team in the history of football to qualify for every edition of the FIFA World Cup. With 5 titles, they are also the most successful team in FIFA World Cup history (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994, 2002).

More interestingly, the Selecao never required to go through the play-offs to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

Carlo Ancelotti's men have already qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 as well, which will be their 23rd FIFA World Cup.

Where to watch FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers?

Football fans in India can watch FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers matches on SonyLIV, via OTTplay Premium.

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