The upcoming 2026 World Cup is set to be an extraordinary tournament not only because of its expanded 48-team format but also for the individual records that could be set or broken this year.
Many of the legendary athletes are looking forward to breaking significant records within reach of their countries.
While all-time great players like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are chasing final milestones, modern talented players like Kylian Mbappe are pushing for scoring history.
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In this article, Sporting Tribune compiles 5 records that could be set in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo is preparing to be the first male player to appear in six different World Cup tournaments, should he play for his country at this edition. Having already stood alone by scoring in five consecutive editions, the 41-year-old Portuguese talisman is set to shatter the longevity barrier.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Should he play and have a good outing, Lionel Messi could become the all-time World Cup appearances and most tournament assists this year. The defending champion already holds the record for the most World Cup matches played (26). Every minute he clocks in the 2026 edition will extend that historic tally.
Furthermore, Messi sits behind the all-time tournament assist record, meaning a few trademark creative passes could see him surpass Pelé and Diego Maradona.
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Kylian Mbappe just needs 5 more goals to become the all-time World Cup top scorer. With 12 goals across just two tournaments (2018 and 2022), the French captain is within striking distance of Miroslav Klose’s historic record of 16 goals.
Given Mbappé’s clinical efficiency in the final third and the expanded tournament format providing more fixtures, the 27-year-old could realistically claim the absolute goal-scoring crown in North America.
Luka Modrić (Croatia)
Croatia is no doubt one of the most consistent teams in World Cups and their tallyman, Luka Modric could become the oldest outfield player to captain a side in a World Cup Final.
At 40 years old, the master midfielder continues to pull the strings for Croatia. Should the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner defy the odds once more and lead his nation back to the ultimate match of the tournament, he will eclipse historic age records for tournament captains set in the previous century.
Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane could become England’s all-time World Cup scorer if he scored just 3 more goals in the 2026 World Cup.
He already scored 8 World Cup goals 2 behind Gary Lineker’s 10 World Cup goals.
