🏆 Just 22 of the 1,248 players at the 2026 World Cup have won it | OneFootball

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the biggest ever, in terms of number of teams and players!

With the unprecedented expansion to 48 national teams, the pitches of the United States, Mexico, and Canada will welcome an army of 1,248 athletes.

Amid this sea of players chasing glory, the experience of reaching the top of the world is a privilege reserved for a tiny elite.

Only 22 players called up for the tournament know the weight of the FIFA trophy.

To put that number into perspective, it means that a mere 1.76% of everyone registered for the competition has ever tasted what it is like to be world champions.

This select list of 22 "legends" is split among just three countries, representing the last three world champions:

Argentine dominance (Qatar 2022)

As is only natural for the defending champions, Argentina dominates the list of remaining world champions.

From the squad that won their third title in the Middle East, coach Lionel Scaloni kept 17 players for the bid to win back-to-back World Cups.

The list is led, of course, by captain Lionel Messi in what could be his "last dance."

The 17 from La Albiceleste: Thiago Almada, Julián Álvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister, Emiliano Martínez, Lautaro Martínez, Lisandro Martínez, Lionel Messi, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Cristian Romero, Gerónimo Rulli, and Nicolás Tagliafico.

French quartet (Russia 2018)

Champions eight years ago, the French have gone through major renewals, tactical changes, and the painful frustration of finishing as runners-up in 2022.

From the team that captivated the world in Russia, only four pillars remain to guide the new generation of Les Bleus: Kylian Mbappé, N'Golo Kanté, Ousmane Dembélé, and Lucas Hernández.

Brazil's tormentor (Brazil 2014)

Time in football is ruthless. From the iconic German side that won their fourth world title at the Maracanã (and delivered the infamous 7-1 at the Mineirão), the wheel has turned completely.

Of all the heroes of that generation, only one representative remains capable of defying time and staying among the elite to compete in another World Cup: Manuel Neuer.

The Bayern goalkeeper had retired from the national team, but answered coach Julian Nagelsmann's call to return for the 2026 World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.

📸 Alexander Hassenstein - 2026 Getty Images