2026 World Cup: Records Set to Tumble

The upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the largest in history. The tournament's structure has been expanded, increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48, which will result in a significant rise in matches from 64 to 104.

This expansion makes it highly probable that numerous long-standing records will be shattered. The total goals scored in a single World Cup, currently 172 from Qatar 2022, is expected to exceed 200 given the increased number of games. Even with a slower scoring rate, the previous record is likely to be surpassed.

Individual player milestones are also within reach. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are positioned to potentially play in their sixth World Cup, a feat that would make them the first men's players to achieve this. Furthermore, Messi is nearing Miroslav Klose's record of 17 individual match wins, with 16 victories to his name.

Klose's all-time top scorer record of 16 goals is also under threat, with Messi currently on 13 goals and Kylian Mbappé close behind. On the managerial side, Didier Deschamps of France is approaching Helmut Schön's record of 16 managerial wins, currently standing at 14.