When it comes to the FIFA World Cup, goals often steal the spotlight. But behind nearly every great goal is an equally great assist — a key pass, a perfect cross, or a moment of genius vision. In this article, we explore the top 10 players with the most assists in World Cup history, highlighting the creative playmakers who shaped football’s biggest stage.
10. Bastian Schweinsteiger – 6 Assists (Germany)
Bastian Schweinsteiger was a driving force in Germany’s midfield, known for both his tenacity and intelligence. Across 20 appearances from 2006 to 2014, Schweinsteiger recorded 6 assists in the World Cup, placing him among the players with the most assists in World Cup history. His standout delivery against England in 2010, where he danced past Glen Johnson to set up Thomas Müller, remains iconic. His assists combined vision, power, and composure — especially in high-stakes games.
9. Thomas Müller – 6 Assists (Germany)
Often recognized for his goals, Thomas Müller is also among those with the most assists in World Cup competitions. Across four tournaments, Müller’s spatial awareness and intelligent movement allowed him to create six assists. He provided key moments like the cutback to Podolski in 2010 and the pass to Özil versus Ghana. With 10 goals and 6 assists, Müller is one of the most efficient World Cup performers ever.
8. Thomas Häßler – 6 Assists (Germany)
A classic playmaker of the 1990s, Häßler’s World Cup contributions peaked during USA 1994, where he delivered five of his six career assists. His creativity helped Germany progress to the quarter-finals and secure his place among those with the most assists in World Cup history. Against South Korea, he set up two goals in a commanding display. Häßler’s flair and through-balls earned him recognition as Germany’s midfield magician in that era.
Also Read:
7. Pelé – 6 Assists (Brazil)
A name that needs no introduction, Pelé was more than just a goal machine — he was also an elite creator. With six to his name, Pelé stands among the legends with the most assists in World Cup history. All of his assists came during the iconic 1970 tournament, arguably the most dominant in history. In the final against Italy, he delivered a cushioned header and a perfect pass for goals. These moments helped Brazil secure their third title, cementing Pelé’s legacy on the global stage.
6. Francesco Totti – 6 Assists (Italy)
Despite playing only two World Cups, Totti’s impact was huge. His 6 assists, part of the elite group with the most assists in World Cup history, came across the 2002 and 2006 editions, with the latter being particularly productive. He set up two goals against Ukraine in the quarter-finals and was central to Italy’s run to the trophy. Totti’s combination of calm under pressure and pinpoint accuracy defined his short but impactful World Cup career.
5. David Beckham – 6 Assists (England)
David Beckham’s World Cup legacy includes some unforgettable assists. Whether from a set piece or open play, Beckham’s delivery was second to none. He set up Owen vs Argentina (1998), laid on goals for Gerrard and Crouch (2006), and consistently produced moments of quality. With six assists in just 13 games, Beckham ranks among the players with the most assists in World Cup history, cementing his role as England’s primary creator on football’s grandest stage.
4. Grzegorz Lato – 7 Assists (Poland)
Lato is best known for winning the Golden Boot in 1974, but his creative side was equally influential. His seven assists place him among the players with the most assists in World Cup history. He helped Poland to third-place finishes in both 1974 and 1982. Against Belgium and other top nations, he delivered key passes and showed just how versatile a winger he was. Lato was central to Poland’s golden generation and had an enormous impact in the attacking third.
3. Pierre Littbarski – 7 Assists (Germany)
Littbarski featured in three World Cup finals for Germany and was pivotal in their 1990 win. He registered key assists against Spain and France in 1982 and added more in the 1990 group stage. Littbarski’s blend of dribbling, flair, and awareness made him one of Germany’s most consistent World Cup creators — often the silent architect behind decisive goals.
2. Diego Maradona – 8 Assists (Argentina)
The legendary Diego Maradona not only scored brilliant goals but also created them. His 8 assists came in 21 matches, including three in one match against South Korea in 1986. Most notably, he assisted the winning goal in the 1986 final, a moment that sealed his status as a World Cup icon. His ability to carry the ball under pressure and deliver accurate final passes was second to none.
1. Lionel Messi – 8 Assists (Argentina)
Topping the list of most assists in World Cup history is Lionel Messi, with 8 in 26 appearances. Messi began his World Cup assist tally in 2006, but it was 2022 that showcased his creative peak. His assists against the Netherlands and Croatia were moments of pure magic, threading impossible passes and beating defenders at will. His genius was on full display as he led Argentina to their third World Cup title.
| Rank | Player | Country | Assists | Appearances |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 | 26 |
| 2 | Diego Maradona | Argentina | 8 | 21 |
| 3 | Pierre Littbarski | Germany | 7 | 18 |
| 4 | Grzegorz Lato | Poland | 7 | 20 |
| 5 | David Beckham | England | 6 | 13 |
| 6 | Francesco Totti | Italy | 6 | 11 |
| 7 | Pelé | Brazil | 6 | 14 |
| 8 | Thomas Häßler | Germany | 6 | 14 |
| 9 | Thomas Müller | Germany | 6 | 19 |
| 10 | Bastian Schweinsteiger | Germany | 6 | 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs):
Q1: Who has the most assists in World Cup history?
Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are tied with 8 assists each in FIFA World Cup history.
Q2: Which country has the most assists in World Cup list?
Germany, with four players — Müller, Schweinsteiger, Häßler, and Littbarski — each contributing six or more assists.
Q3: Who holds the record for most assists in a single World Cup tournament?
Robert Gadocha of Poland recorded 4 assists in a single match in 1974, one of the highest for a single game.
Q4: Are assists always officially recorded in World Cups?
FIFA began officially tracking assists in recent decades, but historical data has been confirmed through detailed match reviews.