20 World Cup records Messi, Ronaldo others, could break in 2026

by · The Eagle Online

Several long-standing FIFA World Cup records could be broken when the 2026 tournament kicks off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with some of football’s biggest names closing in on historic milestones.

According to data compiled by ActionNetwork.com, stars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe could rewrite parts of World Cup history, while leading nations such as Argentina, Brazil, Germany, France, England and Mexico also have major records within reach.

Messi and Mbappe are among the players chasing the World Cup scoring record currently held by former Germany striker Miroslav Klose, who finished his career with 16 tournament goals.

The Argentina captain has scored 13 World Cup goals, while Mbappe has 12 and could move closer to the record during the 2026 competition.

Ronaldo is also targeting a unique achievement. The Portugal captain could become the first player to score in six different World Cup tournaments, having already scored in five editions.

Both Ronaldo and Messi could also become the first footballers to appear in six separate World Cups. The pair have featured in every tournament since Germany hosted the competition in 2006.

Messi heads into the tournament holding several individual World Cup records. He has played more World Cup matches than any other player with 26 appearances and owns the record for most minutes played with 2,314.

he Argentine legend has also captained his country in 19 World Cup matches, more than any player in the competition’s history, and could further extend those marks in 2026. Mbappe, meanwhile, has another piece of history within reach.

The France forward could become the first player to score in three separate World Cup finals after finding the net in both the 2018 and 2022 title matches. Among the nations, defending champions Argentina have an opportunity to join an exclusive group by retaining the trophy.

Only Italy and Brazil have successfully won consecutive World Cups. Brazil, already the most successful country in World Cup history with five titles, could extend that record to six.

The South Americans will also make a record 23rd World Cup appearance in 2026. The five-time champions already hold the records for most World Cup victories and most goals scored in tournament history.

France could also make history by reaching a third consecutive World Cup final, a feat achieved previously only by Germany and Brazil. England and Uruguay have a chance to end lengthy waits for another world title.

A triumph in 2026 would see either nation surpass Italy’s record gap of 44 years between World Cup crowns.

Germany could add to records it already holds for the most runner-up finishes and the most third-place finishes at the tournament. England’s record for the most drawn World Cup matches could also increase, while Mexico could add to its record number of defeats at the competition.

The 2026 edition also offers host nations a chance to end a long wait. No host country has won the World Cup since France lifted the trophy on home soil in 1998.

With an expanded tournament and several established stars expected to feature, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could produce some of the most significant records in the competition’s history.

Records that could be broken at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

1. Messi or Mbappe could challenge Klose’s goal record.

2. Ronaldo could become the first player to score in six different World Cups.

3. Messi could extend his record for most World Cup appearances.

4.Messi and Ronaldo could become the first players to feature in six World Cup tournaments.

5.Messi could extend his World Cup assist records.

6.Messi could increase his record for most minutes played at the World Cup.

7.Messi could extend his record for most matches as captain.

8.Mbappe could become the first player to score in three World Cup finals.

9.Argentina could become only the third nation to retain the World Cup.

10.Brazil could extend its record by winning a sixth World Cup title.

11.England or Uruguay could surpass Italy’s record title drought.

12.Germany could add to its record number of runner-up finishes.

13.Germany could extend its record number of third-place finishes.

14.France could become only the third nation to reach three consecutive finals.

15.Brazil could extend its record World Cup appearance tally to 23.

16.Brazil could add to its records for most wins and most goals.

17.England could increase its record number of drawn matches.

18. Germany could extend its record for most goals conceded.

19. Mexico could add to its record number of World Cup defeats.

20. A host nation could win the World Cup for the first time since France in 1998.

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