The 2026 FIFA World Cup is still in its early stages, but it has already put several long-standing records on high alert.
With goals flowing, veterans extending careers and a new expanded format increasing opportunities, some of football’s biggest milestones are now firmly within reach.
From Lionel Messi’s chase of history to Cristiano Ronaldo’s longevity, and from Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe’s scoring duel to Erling Haaland’s rapid rise, the tournament is shaping up as a record-breaking race across multiple fronts.
Messi’s scoring record
Lionel Messi has moved level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose at the top of the World Cup scoring charts after his hat-trick in Argentina’s opening win over Algeria.
Both players now sit on 16 World Cup goals, with Messi needing just one more to stand alone as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer.
ALSO READ: Messi’s World Cup records and next targets
Klose’s record had stood since 2014, but Messi has matched it in fewer appearances and now has the chance to set a new benchmark in what could be his final World Cup.
Kylian Mbappe, on 14 goals, remains the closest active challenger and still has time to close the gap if France progress deep into the competition.
Kane targets England record
Harry Kane continues to climb England’s all-time World Cup charts after scoring twice in the 4-2 win over Croatia.
The England captain is now level with Gary Lineker on 10 World Cup goals and is expected to move clear with at least two group games still to play.
Kane has also become only the second England player after David Beckham to score at three different World Cups, underlining his consistency on the biggest stage.
With England progressing strongly in the group, the record is now firmly within reach.
Mbappe and Kane in Golden Boot race
The battle for the Golden Boot is already shaping into a two-way contest between Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane, with Lionel Messi also in the wider conversation.
Mbappe, who scored eight goals at the 2022 World Cup, is aiming to become the first player to win back-to-back Golden Boots since the modern era began.
Kane, who won the award in 2018, is also chasing a rare second title.
Both players are among the early leaders in the scoring charts, and with the tournament format now expanded, the race could stretch deeper than usual into the knockout rounds.
Ronaldo extends longevity records
Cristiano Ronaldo continues to stretch records based on longevity rather than just goals.
The Portugal captain has now played in six World Cup tournaments, joining Lionel Messi as the only players to achieve the feat.
More significantly, Ronaldo has already set a new mark as the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, doing so at 41 years and 132 days.
A goal in this tournament would make him the first player in history to score in six different World Cup editions, further extending a legacy built over two decades.
Haaland chasing Norway milestone
Erling Haaland has wasted little time stamping his authority on his World Cup debut, scoring twice in Norway’s 4-1 win over Iraq.
The goals saw him equal Kjetil Rekdal’s tally as Norway’s joint all-time top scorer at the World Cup.
With his scoring rate in international football, Haaland is widely expected to move clear and set a new national benchmark before the group stage ends.
Few players arrive at a World Cup with more momentum in front of goal.
Vozinha sets age records
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has already written his name into World Cup history despite limited tournament experience.
At 40 years and 12 days, he became the oldest player to appear in a nation’s World Cup debut.
He also set another milestone by becoming the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his World Cup finals debut, following his standout display in the draw against Spain.
His performances have underlined how experience continues to play a role even in a tournament dominated by younger stars.
Deschamps closing in on record
France manager Didier Deschamps is now one win away from equalling the record for most World Cup victories by a coach.
He currently sits just behind former West Germany boss Helmut Schon, who holds the record with 16 wins.
A further victory would see Deschamps match the record, with the potential to surpass it later in the group stage or beyond if France continue their strong run.
Already a World Cup winner as both player and manager, Deschamps is again in position to make history.
Early red card trend
Discipline has also emerged as an early talking point in the tournament.
Six red cards have already been shown in the opening phase, including multiple dismissals in Mexico’s win over South Africa.
While still far from the all-time tournament record of 28 red cards set in 2006, the early trend suggests officials are taking a firm approach.
With more matches ahead than ever before in the expanded format, that record is one to watch closely.
Tournament for records
With more teams, more matches and more opportunities, the 2026 World Cup is naturally pushing players and teams into record territory.
