Hugo Lloris to set record as the goalkeeper with the most World Cup appearances

France goalkeeper Hugo Lorris has already set one record at Qatar 2022 and this weekend, he will set another. In Sunday’s final against Argentina, he will become the goalkeeper to have played the most games played in the history of the tournament. In Wednesday’s semi-final win over Morocco, Lloris equalled the record of 19 World Cup appearances held by Germany’s Manuel Neuer.

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Lloris made his World Cup debut at South Africa 2010 and has been an undisputed starter in the French goal since then. He has had the chance to surpass Neurer’s record for some time, but circumstances have led him to wait. Second-choice goalkeeper Steve Mandanda has been used occasionally - he started the final group against Denmark at Russia 2018 when France had already booked their place in the next round. Similarly, he was selected for the group game against Tunisia in the current tournament when Deschamps’ team were already safely through. Had Lloris played in both of those games, he would now be on 21 World Cup appearances and facing his 22nd. Former France stars Fabien Barthez and Thierry Henry both made 18 World Cup appearances during their respective careers - the previous French record.

On Sunday, the 35-year-old will finally take Neuer’s record. Both keepers have starred in four World Cup finals (2010-2022), and earlier in the current tournament, Lloris surpassed Lillian Thuram’s appearances record with the national team.

Lloris and Neuer head a long list of goalkeepers who improved their personal World Cup appearance figures at Qatar 2022 - including Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois with a total of 15 appearances, England’s Jordan Pickford with 12, Mexico’s Guillermo Ochoa tied with Costa Rica’s Keylor Navas on 11 games, followed by Australia’s Mathew Ryan (10) and Brazil’s Allison with nine.

Goalkeepers in action at Qatar 2022: total World Cup games