Brazil hits 118 World Cup matches, the only team ever to compete in every tournament

The Brazil national football team recorded its 118th appearance in World Cup history after four matches in the 2026 tournament, including a knockout‑stage win over Japan. The tally brings Brazil to 79 victories, 20 draws and 19 defeats, maintaining its unique record of participating in every World Cup since the inaugural event in 1930 and securing five titles.

A long‑standing statistic shows that every nation that eliminates Brazil from a World Cup goes on to finish among the tournament’s top three. After Norway knocked Brazil out in the round of‑16, the Nordic side will face England in the quarter‑finals, aiming to keep the trend alive and finish on the podium.

These milestones highlight Brazil’s enduring presence in the sport and the ongoing relevance of elimination patterns for future contenders.