What year was Pele's final World Cup appearance?

Pelé's final World Cup appearance was in 1970. Representing Brazil at the tournament in Mexico, he helped his team win its third world championship and became the first player to win three World Cup titles.

Pelé had already starred in Brazil's victories at the 1958 and 1962 tournaments. Injuries and a difficult 1966 campaign made his return in 1970 especially significant. Brazil won all six of its matches, with Pelé playing a central role alongside Jairzinho, Tostão, Gérson, and Rivellino.

In the final on June 21, 1970, Brazil defeated Italy 4–1 at Mexico City's Estadio Azteca. Pelé scored the opening goal with a header and later helped create Carlos Alberto's famous final goal. The match was his last appearance at a World Cup, although he continued playing for Brazil in international matches until 1971.

A common mix-up is confusing Pelé's final World Cup with his final international appearance. His last match for Brazil overall was a 1971 friendly against Yugoslavia, not a World Cup game.