He already holds the records for the most goals and appearances at the international level, but Cristiano Ronaldo also boasts several remarkable FIFA World Cup records.
Most tournaments played (shared)
Before the 2026 edition, no player had featured in more than five World Cups, nor had any player participated in two tournaments spaced 20 years apart. That statistic changed this year. Luka Modric made his first appearance in 2006, missing only the 2010 edition, while Ronaldo now shares the record for playing in six tournaments with none other than Lionel Messi. Both have been part of the 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022, and 2026 editions.
Most tournaments named in a squad (shared)
Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa shares this milestone with Ronaldo and Messi. Only these three players have been named in squads for six separate tournaments, regardless of whether they featured in the matches or not. Ochoa has attended every World Cup alongside Ronaldo and Messi, though he did not play in all of them.
Most goals scored in World Cup qualifiers
Cristiano Ronaldo played a crucial role in ensuring Portugal’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Across all qualification campaigns from 2006 to the present, he has scored an extraordinary 41 goals — more than any other player in World Cup qualifying history. His consistency and longevity on the international stage continue to set benchmarks that few can match.
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