Manuel Neuer will be called up by Nagelsmann for the 2026 World Cup with Germany: a surprising decision that will see him play in his 5th World Cup.
An achievement reserved for very few players: let’s see who has managed it and who could reach (and surpass) 5 World Cup appearances in the next edition.
Who will reach 5 appearances
MANUEL NEUER
As mentioned, at 40 Neuer will guard Germany’s goal (probably as a starter) again in 2026 after first doing so in 2010: the very year he won the World Cup at 24 years old.
YUTO NAGATOMO
The video of the former Inter and Cesena full-back (among others) crying after being called up to the World Cup at 39 went viral around the world. For good reason, because Nagatomo started every Japan match at the World Cup in the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 editions.
LUKA MODRIC
Luka Modric could easily have made it to 6 World Cups because the Croatian was already part of the 2006 squad, coming off the bench, when he was 21 years old. However, Croatia did not qualify for the 2010 World Cup, so Modric will reach 5 World Cup appearances “only” in the next edition.
Who probably won’t get there because of age
THIAGO SILVA: unlikely
Thiago Silva was included in Carlo Ancelotti’s preliminary squad list, but Brazil’s defense is unlikely to make room for the 41-year-old Porto player.
It’s worth remembering that Thiago Silva was called up in 2010 but never took the field: so if he were to take part in the 2026 edition, that would make 5 call-ups, but the number of “editions with actual appearances” would be 4.
THOMAS MULLER: impossible
Thomas Muller retired from the national team after Euro 2024 with Germany: technically he is still active (MLS with Vancouver), but his chances of being called up are zero. Also because Germany’s attack is not short of options.
XHERDAN SHAQIRI: unlikely
Another quintessential World Cup man: Xherdan Shaqiri announced his retirement from the national team after Euro 2024. But what if the call came? At 34, he would still have the potential to play a role for Switzerland, especially considering his 16-goal season (including 3 in the Europa League) with Basel.
Who is already at 5 World Cups and who will get to 6
There are very few retired players who ended their careers with 5 World Cups:
- Antonio Carbajal (Mexico)
- Lothar Matthaus (Germany)
- Gianluigi Buffon (Italy)
- Rafael Marquez (Mexico)
- Andres Guardado (Mexico)
There are also 3 players currently on 5 who, barring any surprises, will reach 6 World Cups played:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
- Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico)
The number of Mexican players in this ranking is incredible: the mix of national team consistency (given the relative ease of qualifying) and the generally low turnover of players at the highest level has led to as many as 4 Mexicans in history playing in at least 5 World Cups.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.