The FIFA World Cup 2026 is a couple of days away, with football’s biggest stars preparing to battle for the sport’s most prestigious prize across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Since the inaugural FIFA World Cup in 1930, numerous records have been etched in the history books, and with the tournament expanding to 48 teams for the first time, the 2026 edition might witness even more milestones. Ahead of the opening clash between Mexico and South Africa, which is scheduled for June 11, let’s dive into this story and find out about the five major records that are under threat.
5 records likely to be broken in FIFA World Cup 2026
1. Most FIFA World Cup goals by a player
In FIFA World Cup history, former Germany striker Miroslav Klose tops the list of goal scorers with the highest goal in FIFA World Cup history. He has scored 16 goals in 24 appearances across four tournaments.
However, his long-standing record is under serious threat as Lionel Messi has scored 13 World Cup goals, while Kylian Mbappé sits on 12. Both Messi and Mbappe will likely play central roles for their nations. The expanded format also gives players more opportunities to add to their goal tally, making Klose’s record more vulnerable than ever.
2. Most FIFA World Cup matches won by a manager
Legendary West Germany coach Helmut Schön holds the record for the most World Cup victories by a manager, having won 16 matches between 1966 and 1978.
France boss Didier Deschamps might break the record as he has guided Les Bleus to 14 World Cup victories from 19 matches since his tenure from 2012. If France manages to win all three of their group-stage games, Deschamps will overtake Schön. Even if they don’t achieve a perfect group-stage record, France are expected to make a deep run, putting the French manager in a strong position to become the most successful coach in World Cup history.
3. Most World Cup assists
Germany’s 1954 World Cup-winning captain Fritz Walter currently tops the list of players to record the most assists in FIFA World Cup history with nine. Lionel Messi might surpass Walter as the Argentine legend is already tied for second place with eight assists and has increasingly taken on the role of creator in the later stages of his career.
Just two more assists in the 2026 tournament would see Messi claim the record outright and add another remarkable achievement to his incredible legacy.
4. England’s all-time leading World Cup goalscorer
England captain Harry Kane is on the verge of rewriting his country’s World Cup history. Kane has scored eight goals in FIFA World Cup matches and needs only two more to equal England legend Gary Lineker, who remains the nation’s top scorer in the competition with 10 goals.
Lineker reached the landmark in just 12 matches and remains the only English player to hit double figures at the World Cup. Kane’s current scoring rate is slightly lower, but after another prolific season with Bayern Munich, he enters the tournament in excellent form and is well-positioned to become England’s all-time leading World Cup scorer.
5. Most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup Tournament
The biggest record likely to be broken is the total number of goals scored in a single World Cup. For the first time ever, the tournament will feature 48 teams, which means a total of 104 matches will be played instead of 64. More games naturally mean more chances for goals.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar currently holds the record as the highest-scoring edition in history, with 172 goals scored across 64 matches. Before that, the 2014 tournament in Brazil and the 1998 edition in France shared the record with 171 goals.
With more teams, more matches, and some of football’s biggest stars chasing history, the 2026 FIFA World Cup could become one of the most record-breaking tournaments the sport has ever seen.
Also Read: Five Players Who Will Make Their FIFA World Cup Debut In 2026
