Kylian Mbappé overtakes Diego Maradona in number of Cup matches
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read
By playing in the match for third place in the 2026 World Cup against England, Kylian Mbappé brought his total of matches in the final stages to 22, ahead of Diego Maradona's mark.
Why it matters
Kylian Mbappé's performance at the 2026 World Cup underlines his status as a key player for the France team. By surpassing Diego Maradona in number of matches played, he positions himself among football legends, which strengthens his legacy as the 2026 World Cup approaches. This longevity and consistency at the highest level are essential for France's ambitions in future competitions.
Key points
- Kylian Mbappé overtakes Diego Maradona in the number of Cup matches.
- By playing in the match for third place in the 2026 World Cup against England, Kylian Mbappé brought his total of matches in the final stages to 22, surpassing Diego Maradona's mark.
- Килиан Мбаппе обошёл Диего Марадону по числу матчей на чемпионатах мира - Чемпионат.
This list of presences on the world stage places Mbappé among the most regular players in the final stages. In addition to Maradona, several former football greats have totaled 21 appearances in the World Cup: Croatian striker Ivan Perišić, Polish defender Władysław Żmuda, German Uwe Seeler and Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois are tied with the Argentinian.
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The ranking of players who have played the most matches in the final stages is largely dominated by Lionel Messi, in the lead with 33 matches. He is followed by Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 27, and German Lothar Matthäus, third with 25 appearances. Mbappé's rise to the top of this ranking illustrates his longevity at the highest international level, already remarkable when he is only 25 years old (age at the time of the tournament according to public sources) and continues to figure as a key element of the France team.
Mbappé's participation in this 22nd meeting is part of a dense personal and collective journey: present in several editions of the World Cup since its debut in 2018, he has made a series of appearances and exploits which have allowed him to accumulate final phase matches faster than most contemporary players.
While this statistical figure constitutes a notable individual mark, it also fits into the broader context of the 2026 World Cup, where the competition offered many internationals the opportunity to increase their historic totals. Mbappé now joins a select group of European and South American players with a high number of World Cup appearances, and his progression on this table will be one to watch if his international career continues.
The rest
With this 22nd appearance, Mbappé continues to raise his level of play, which could have a significant impact on the upcoming season for the club and the national team. Supporters and analysts are wondering about its role in future competitions, notably the 2026 World Cup. France will have to rely on its experience and talent to aim for new international success.
Frequently asked questions
What is the score of the match between France and England?
The score was 2-0 in favor of the English at the time of publication.
How many matches has Kylian Mbappé played in the World Cup?
Kylian Mbappé played 22 matches in the World Cup finals.
What is the impact of this match on the ranking of players who have played the most matches in the World Cup?
This appearance allows Mbappé to overtake Diego Maradona, who played 21 matches.
Who is the player who played the most
matches in the World Cup?
The player who has played the most matches in the World Cup is Lionel Messi, with 33 matches.
What is France's next match in the 2026 World Cup?
France's next match is not specified in the article.
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