Muslera breaks record for Uruguay, but does not receive honor from FIFA

Uruguay's legendary goalkeeper, Muslera became the country's player with the most appearances in World Cups this Monday (15), when he started against Saudi Arabia in the debut of the 2026 World Cup.

Muslera surpassed defender Godín (4) and is in his fifth World Cup with Uruguay. He was called up in 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and now in 2026. This Tuesday (16), he turns 40 years old. The goalkeeper also became the Uruguayan with the most appearances in World Cups (17).

Despite this being his fifth World Cup, Muslera did not receive the special "Legacy" patch from FIFA, given by the entity to players who played in five World Cups or more.

That's because Muslera didn't play a single minute in 2022. He was a reserve for Rochet, now Internacional's goalkeeper, and now in 2026 again on the bench for the 40-year-old goalkeeper.

However, the patch was placed on the shirt of Japanese Nagatomo, who is in his fifth World Cup. He played in all the other four, but did not come off the bench in Japan's debut in 2026, that is, he did not officially complete five World Cups. The Uruguayan Federation made a request to FIFA for Muslera to wear the patch, but it was denied.

Another case similar to Muslera is goalkeeper Ochoa, from Mexico. The Mexican is in his sixth World Cup, but did not take to the field in 2006 and 2010. In the current edition, he started on the bench, also without the patch on his arm.

In addition to the Japanese, German Manuel Neuer has also used the patch. This one, in fact, completed five World Cups on the field. In addition to them, Luka Modric, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi will wear the FIFA tribute. The legendary rivals will play their sixth World Cup each.

Source: CNN