Previous participation in FIFA World-Cup: the key to success?

Abstract This qualitative-descriptive investigation examining the influence exerted by experienced soccer-players on the ranking obtained from the four best-ranked by their teams in the last four FIFA World Cups (WC). They were divided into experienced-players (at least one WC participation [+1WC]) or non-experienced players (no previous participation [1WC]). Thereafter, they were classified according to their contribution in each of the playoff matches in a given WC: STARTER (started all matches); START/SUBST (started at least one match); SUBST/BENCH (did not start any matches, but replaced a player in at least one match); and BENCH (did not participate in matches). The sample was composed of 33.7% experienced and 66.3% non-experienced players. The number of players +1WC in finalist teams was significantly higher than in the non-finalist teams (p