Football’s biggest stars are getting ready to compete for the sport’s most prestigious prize in the United States, Canada, and Mexico at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which is just a few days away.
Numerous records have been set since the first FIFA World Cup in 1930, and with 48 teams participating for the first time, the 2026 edition may see even more significant achievements. Let’s explore this story and learn about the five major records that are in jeopardy ahead of the opening match between South Africa and Mexico on June 11.
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
With 16 World Cup wins between 1966 and 1978, legendary West Germany coach Helmut Schön is the manager with the most victories.
Didier Deschamps, the manager of France, has led Les Bleus to 14 World Cup victories from 19 games since taking over in 2012, which could set a new record. Deschamps will surpass Schön if France wins all three of their group-stage matches. France is predicted to go far, even if they don’t finish with a perfect group-stage record. This will put the French manager in a strong position to become the most successful coach in World Cup history.
3. Most World Cup assists
Fritz Walter, the captain of Germany during the 1954 World Cup, currently holds the record for the most assists in FIFA World Cup history with nine. As the Argentine legend is already tied for second place with eight assists and has increasingly assumed the role of creator in the later stages of his career, Lionel Messi may overtake Walter.
Messi would secure the record with just two more assists in the 2026 competition, adding yet another outstanding accomplishment to his extraordinary legacy.
Read More
4. England’s all-time top scorer in the World Cup
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.
The only English player to reach double figures at the World Cup, Lineker accomplished the milestone in just 12 games. Although Kane’s current scoring percentage is marginally lower, he is in great form going into the tournament and has a good chance of becoming England’s all-time top World Cup scorer following another successful season with Bayern Munich.
5. Most goals scored in a FIFA World Cup Tournament
The total number of goals scored in a single World Cup is the biggest record that is most likely to be broken. There will be 48 teams participating in the tournament for the first time, which means there will be 104 games played rather than just 64. Goal opportunities naturally increase with the number of games.
With 172 goals scored in 64 games, the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is currently the highest-scoring edition in history. Prior to that, the record with 171 goals was shared by the 1998 edition in France and the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup has the potential to be one of the most record-breaking competitions in football history, with more teams, more games, and some of the biggest players in the game vying for glory.
Also Read: Five Players Who Will Make Their FIFA World Cup Debut In 2026
