Before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, some of the top football players and nations may break a number of long-standing records.
Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, and other top football nations could establish new records during the competition, according to statistics gathered by ActionNetwork.com.
These 20 records could be broken at the 2026 World Cup.
1 Klose’s goal total could be contested by Messi or Mbappe
France’s Kylian Mbappe and Argentina’s Lionel Messi have the potential to equal or surpass Germany’s Miroslav Klose’s current World Cup goal total of 16. Mbappe scored 12 World Cup goals, compared to Messi’s 13.
2. Ronaldo may score in six World Cups.
Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal may become the first player to score in six World Cup competitions. As of right now, only he has scored in five editions.
3. Messi might break the record for appearances
With 26 World Cup appearances, Messi now owns the record, and he is predicted to surpass that total in 2026.
4. Messi and Ronaldo might play in the World Cup six times.
Having participated in every World Cup since 2006, both players have the potential to become the first football players to appear in six competitions.
5. Messi might increase his assist totals
Messi could increase his record of five World Cup assists. Depending on the method of counting, he might also contest the total assist record.
6. Messi might improve his record for minutes played.
With 2,314 minutes played during the World Cup, the legendary Argentine already holds the record.
7. Messi might prolong his record as captain
More than any other player in history, Messi has led Argentina in 19 World Cup games.
8. Mbappe might create the last record.
After scoring in the 2018 and 2022 championships, the French sensation may become the first player to score in three consecutive World Cup finals.
9. Argentina might win the World Cup again
After Italy and Brazil, the current champions might be the third country to win the World Cup in a row.
10. Brazil might improve its record for titles
Brazil has won five World Cups, making it the most successful country in history, and they could win six.
More than any other country, the Germans have placed third four times.
14. France might make it to a third straight championship game.
After Germany and Brazil, France might be the third country to make it to the finals of the World Cup.
15. Brazil might increase its record of appearances
Brazil will play in their 23rd World Cup, more than any other nation, in 2026.
16. Brazil might improve its goal and victory totals.
In the history of the World Cup, Brazil already has the most goals scored and the most games won.
17. England’s record for draws could improve
With 22 World Cup draws, England owns the record.
18. Germany could give up more goals than any other country.
The record for the most goals given up in World Cups already belongs to Germany.
19. Mexico might continue its losing streak
Mexico has lost more World Cups than any other country, and it could increase its total.
20. The host country might eventually triumph once more
A host country might raise the trophy for the first time since France won the competition at home in 1998. The 2026 edition will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As football’s biggest stars try to solidify their positions in history, the competition, which is expected to be the largest in World Cup ever, could set a number of new records both on and off the field.
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