Top 10 players with most appearances at Women's World Cup history

Published at :August 3, 2023 at 5:13 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 4:54 PM

The United States claim 7 out of the 10 spots on the list

The ongoing FIFA Women’s World Cup has exceeded expectations among Football fans around the globe. It was promised to be this summer’s top international Footballing spectacle, and so far it has lived up to it.

FIFA Women’s World Cup, which commenced on 20th July 2023, is witnessing some of the Nation legends who may be setting foot on the grass to represent their country for the last time. We must experience it whilst we can.

On that note, let us take a look at the top 10 footballers with the most match appearances in FIFA Women’s World Cup history.

10. Christine Sinclair- Canada (23 Appearances)

Christine Sinclair, at 40 years of age, might be representing Canada Women’s National Soccer Team in one final World Cup, this year. The veteran forward has been going about captaining the National Women’s League Soccer Club Portland Thorns FC, as well as the Canadian National Team even at this age. Over the past 2 decades, she has played 23 games for CWNST over six FIFA Women’s World Cup editions, since 2003, so far.

9. Mia Hamm- United States (23 Appearances)

Mia Hamm, a legendary figure in soccer, left an indelible mark on the sport with her exceptional career. With 276 appearances for the U.S. national team. She won four major championships and secured a silver medal in the 2000 Olympics. With 23 appearances in the Women’s FIFA World Cup, she left her mark in four editions from 1991 to 2003.

8. Joy Fawcett- United States (23 Appearances)

Joy Fawcett is a legend with 241 caps for the U.S. women’s soccer team. She was a top-scoring defender when she retired in 2004. A pioneer of WUSA, Fawcett entered the Soccer Hall of Fame in 2009. Recognized worldwide, she appeared 23 times in the Women’s FIFA World Cup between 1991 and 2003, sharing the field with the USWNT icon Mia Hamm. Fawcett even made a cameo as herself in the movie Soccer Mom.

7. Birgit Prinz- Germany (24 Appearances)

Birgit Prinz, a football legend who shined in five World Cup Finals, netting 14 goals – a joint all-time record. With 128 goals in 214 international matches, she stands as Germany’s top scorer and most-capped player. Her drive, speed, and precise finishing made her the unrivaled force in Europe. From 1995 to 2011, Prinz showcased her brilliance in 24 FIFA Women’s World Cup matches for Germany. A true icon of the game, leaving a lasting impact on women’s football’s grandest stage.

6. Homare Sawa- Japan (24 Appearances)

Homare Sawa, Japan’s revered female footballer, showcased her talent early. Debuting at 12, and by 15, she amazed the world with four goals in her international debut against the Philippines in December 1993. Over 170 matches for Japan followed, with an impressive tally of 80 goals. Her remarkable 24 appearances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 1995 to 2015 exemplified two decades of unrivaled prowess and goal-scoring brilliance. Sawa’s legacy as one of Japan’s finest in the sport remains an inspiration to aspiring footballers everywhere.

5. Julie Foudy- United States (24 Appearances)

Julie Foudy won Olympic gold in 1996 and 2004, plus silver in 2000. She was a true champion. At the FIFA World Cup, she shone brightly, securing titles for the USA in 1991 and 1999, along with a bronze in 1995 and 2003. Leading her nation as captain from 2000 to 2004, Foudy exemplified leadership. Her legacy includes 24 appearances in the Women’s World Cup, spanning four tournaments from 1991 to 2003, showcasing her exceptional skills and commitment to the sport.

4. Carli Lloyd- United States (25 Appearances)

Despite facing doubts at 21, Carli Lloyd worked hard and became a driving force in clinching two Olympic gold medals (2008 and 2012) and two World Cups (2015 and 2019). Her defining moment came during the 2015 World Cup, where she scored a remarkable hat trick, leading her team to victory. With an impressive 25 appearances in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Carli Lloyd has left her footmarks on American Women’s Soccer as well as in the World.

3. Abby Wambach- United States (25 Appearances)

Abby Wambach led the US Women’s National Team to Olympic golds in 2004 and 2012, and a World Cup victory in 2015. She earned FIFA’s Women’s Player of the Year in 2012. Remarkably, Wambach shares the joint second spot for most appearances for the USWNT in FIFA World Cup matches (25) with Carli Lloyd.

2. Formiga- Brazil (27 Appearances)

Miraildes Maciel Mota aka Formiga, is a Brazilian Women’s Football legend with a unique nickname. Her teammates dubbed her “Formiga,” the Portuguese word for ant, due to her selfless play and intensity on the streets of Salvador. From her World Cup debut at 17 in 1995, where Brazil claimed bronze, to a remarkable record, she stands alone. Formiga has played in an incredible seven Women’s World Cups, more than any other player in FIFA history. Throughout these tournaments, she graced the grand stage 27 times.

1. Kristine Lilly- United States (30 Appearances)

Kristine Lilly holds numerous records to her name. Her impressive record of scoring in every world championship except her debut in 1991 showcases her consistency and skill. Lilly’s 105 assists- second most, behind Mia Hamm- and 130 goals- second most in the history of women’s soccer- make her one of the greatest players in U.S. history.

Furthermore, Kristine featured in five editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup from 1991 to 2007, and she donned the pitch for a total of 30 matches in the USWNT shirt. A record that has been held by her since then.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram and join our community on Telegram.