Which Teams Have Played Most World Cup Final Matches?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup is in its last stages. Argentina officially became the first team to enter the final after defeating Croatia 3-0. Following this, they have entered their sixth World Cup final. And if they win the final, they would also become the third-most successful nation in history with three World Cup titles.

Ever since the start of the World Cup in 1930, the tournament has been fierce in competition, and a team needs to be at their best to make a deep run into the tournament. However, the World Cup has been dominated by a select few teams. In fact, in the last 21 editions, only 13 teams have reached the final of a World Cup. However, this could change to 14 if Morocco manage to pull off another upset by beating France in the second semi-final. 

So, here are the teams that have made the most appearances in a FIFA World Cup final.

Germany-eight times 

The four-time World Cup champions have been one of the most consistent sides in World Cup history, even after their two back-to-back group stage eliminations. Die Mannschaft have reached the final a record eight times, the most by any team. 

Their first came in 1954 when they defeated Hungary’s Mighty Magyars to win their first World Cup. Their next final appearance came in the 1966 World Cup, where England defeated them riding on a Geoff Hurst hat trick. However, the next time the Germans went into the final, they would not be denied the trophy as they defeated the legendary Total Football side of the Netherlands led by the charismatic Johan Cruyff.  

Their next three World Cup final appearances came after another between 1982-1990. They first came against Italy, possibly the most defensive side to win a World Cup. Four years later, they would again falter at the last hurdle losing to a Diego Maradona-inspired Argentina. They would get third time lucky, though, as they exacted revenge from Argentina in the next World Cup, defeating them 1-0 courtesy of an Andreas Brehme penalty. 

Germany would reach their successive World Cup final 12 years later in the first tournament edition to be held in Asia. After that, however, their dream of winning a fourth title was crushed by Ronaldo-led Brazil. Nevertheless, the late 2000s saw the emergence of a golden generation of players such as Thomas Muller, Mario Gotze, Mesut Ozil, Toni Kroos, Sami Khedira, Manuel Neuer, Jerome Boateng, and Matt Hummels. 

And this group of players delivered Germany their fourth World Cup title, which included a…