As we look forward to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, many records might be broken by some of football’s biggest names.
Data from ActionNetwork.com shows that stars like Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and top football countries like Argentina, Brazil, Germany, and France could set new records.
Here are 20 records that might change during the 2026 World Cup.
1. Messi or Mbappe could challenge Klose’s goal record
Argentina's Lionel Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe might tie or break the World Cup goals record set by Miroslav Klose from Germany, who scored 16 goals. Messi has 13 World Cup goals, while Mbappe has 12.
2. Ronaldo could score in six World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo from Portugal could be the first player to score in six different World Cups. He is already the only player to score in five tournaments.
3. Messi could extend appearance record
Messi holds the record for the most World Cup matches played, with 26, and he is expected to increase that number in 2026.
4. Messi and Ronaldo could become six-time World Cup participants
Both Messi and Ronaldo might become the first players to feature in six World Cups, having played in every tournament since 2006.
5. Messi could add to his assist records
Messi has given assists in five different World Cups and could increase that record. He might also challenge the overall assist record depending on how it is counted.
6. Messi could increase his minutes-played record
The Argentine legend already holds the record for the most minutes played at the World Cup with 2,314 minutes.
7. Messi could extend captaincy record
Messi has led Argentina in 19 World Cup matches, more than any other player in history.
8. Mbappe could make final history
The French star could be the first player to score in three World Cup finals, having scored in the 2018 and 2022 finals.
9. Argentina could retain the World Cup
The current champions could be only the third nation to win back-to-back World Cups, following Italy and Brazil.
10. Brazil could increase its title record
Brazil is the most successful country in World Cup history with five titles and could extend that record to six.
11. England or Uruguay could end title droughts
If either England or Uruguay wins in 2026, they would break Italy’s record of 44 years without a World Cup title.
12. Germany could add to second-place record
Germany already has the record for the most runner-up finishes at the World Cup with four.
13. Germany could extend third-place record
The Germans have finished third four times, which is more than any other country.
14. France could reach a third consecutive final
France might become only the third country to reach three straight World Cup finals, joining Germany and Brazil.
15. Brazil could extend appearance record
The 2026 tournament will be Brazil’s 23rd World Cup appearance, the most by any nation.
16. Brazil could increase its wins and goals records
Brazil already has the records for the most matches won and the most goals scored in World Cup history.
17. England’s draw record could grow
England holds the record for the most drawn matches at the World Cup with 22.
18. Germany could concede more goals than any nation
Germany currently holds the record for the most goals conceded at World Cups.
19. Mexico could extend loss record
Mexico has lost more World Cup matches than any other nation and could add to that total.
20. A host nation could finally win again
For the first time since France won the 1998 tournament at home, a host nation could lift the trophy. The United States, Canada, and Mexico will co-host the 2026 edition.
This tournament is set to be the biggest in World Cup history. It could bring many new records as football’s biggest stars aim to make their mark.
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