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10 Countries With The Most Appearances In World Cup

The world waits with bated breath for the World Cup every four years. During the World Cup, club rivalries take a back seat to the competition, and the topic of the talk is the World Cup. Every country and individual strives to compete in the FIFA World Cup since it is the most prestigious sporting event in the world.
For any football player, representing their country on the international stage is a source of immense pride. National teams compete in qualifying competitions and continental events every four years in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. Twenty-one World Cups have been played, with Qatar 2022 likely the next. Every other World Cup has been held in the summer, but Qatar 2022 will be the first to be held in the winter because of the country's extreme summer heat. Today, we give you 10 countries with the most appearances in world cup, scroll down to enjoy!

1. Uruguay With 14

Appearances In World CupSource: Getty Images

They won the inaugural tournament in 1930 as hosts, defeating Argentina 4-2 in the final. In 1950, they won their second championship by defeating the hosts, Brazil, 2-1 in the final. La Celeste is a common nickname for the Uruguayan national soccer team. As a football team, they rank among the best in South America.

2. Belgium With 14

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Over six years, beginning in 1982 and ending in 2002, Belgium made it to the World Cup every time and advanced past the first round five times. The 1986 World Cup in Mexico was the finest performance by a Belgian team to that point. After losing in the semi-finals against France, 0-1, Belgium finished in third place at the 2018 World Cup.

3. England With 16

Appearances In World CupSource: Getty Images

At number eight on the list of World Cup-winning teams, England is one of a select group. It hosted and ultimately won the 1966 tournament. Both in 1990 and 2018, England placed fourth overall. The England national football squad is as old as Scotland's, making them the world's oldest sports rivals. In 1974, 1978, and 1994, England could not make it to the World Cup.

4. France With 16

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Les Bleus is the French national soccer team's nickname (The Blues). They recently won the 2018 World Cup Final, making them champions. In 1930, France was one of only four European teams to compete in the first World Cup. France's first World Cup victory came in 1998. On home turf, France triumphed over Brazil by a 3-0. When it comes to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, they are also considered to be among the favorites.

5. Spain With 16

Appearances In World CupSource: Getty Images

Spain only participated in four World Cups from 1930 and 1977, but they have participated in the last 11 tournaments running back to 1978. When Spain's "golden generation" of players was at its peak between 2006 and 2012, they swept the UEFA European Championships in 2008 and 2012. This success propelled La Roja to the 2010 title.

6. Mexico With 17

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El Tri has made the most World Cup appearances compared to other CONCACAF nations with 17. In 1930, Uruguay played France in the inaugural FIFA World Cup. Plus, they're one of only six teams who have made it to every World Cup since 1994. There were five World Cups between 1934 and 1990 that Mexico did not qualify for.

7. Italy With 18

Appearances In World CupSource: Getty Images

With four World Cup victories to their name, Italy's national squad is among the sport's most decorated (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006). The current European champions, however, did not make it into the World Cup in 2022. They were eliminated from going to Qatar after losing at home in the semi-finals to a much lower-ranked team, North Macedonia.

8. Argentina With 18

Appearances In World CupSource: Getty Images

For the past 12 years, beginning in 1974, Argentina has participated in every World Cup. In 1930, the Albicelestes advanced to the championship game, losing to Uruguay. 2014 final was the closest they've gone to winning the championship in recent history, but they lost to Germany. They always made it into the competition except for 1938, 1950, 1954, and 1970.

9. Germany With 20

Appearances In World CupSource: Getty Images

Second on this list is 2014 champion Germany. Die Mannschaft won their first World Cup in 1954. 2014 champions Germany placed third in 2010. One of the most consistent teams in competitive history. With 13 semi-final appearances, they hold the competition record.

10. Brazil With 22

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The Selecao has won more FIFA World Cups than any other team. Brazil has the record for the most consecutive World Cup appearances. They have won the tournament five times. The Seleço have participated in all 21 tournaments since the first one in 1930, with their most recent victory coming in 2002. Five times (in 1958, 1962, 1970, and 1996) and twice (in 1994 and 2002), they have been crowned world champions. The Brazilian national team holds the unique distinction of being the only side to win the FIFA World Cup on four different continents.
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