Fernando Muslera reached a major World Cup milestone as Uruguay faced Cape Verde in Group H of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, matching a record held by Brazilian legend Claudio Taffarel.
The 40-year-old Uruguay captain raised his World Cup appearance count to 18, drawing level with Taffarel as the South American goalkeeper with the most matches in tournament history.
The record also carries a special link for Galatasaray, whose yellow and red colors are closely associated with both goalkeepers.
Muslera is widely considered one of the most successful goalkeepers in Galatasaray history following a legendary decade-plus tenure, while Taffarel holds an equally iconic status for his impact both between the posts and later as a goalkeeping coach.
The two also worked together at Galatasaray for a time, adding another layer to the record they now share on the World Cup stage.
Muslera has been one of Uruguay's most trusted names for years, standing out not only for his experience but also for his leadership.
By stepping out against Cape Verde, he added another chapter to a career shaped by consistency for both club and country.