The 2026 World Cup could rewrite football history

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is not only expected to be historic because of its new 48-team format or because it will become the first edition hosted by three different countries. It could also turn into one of the most important tournaments ever for individual and collective records in football history.

Legends such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Didier Deschamps arrive with real chances to break historic marks, while established stars like Kylian Mbappé and rising talents such as Lamine Yamal threaten to rewrite records that once seemed untouchable.

Messi, Cristiano… and Memo Ochoa are chasing an unprecedented record

The 2026 edition could make Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo the first footballers ever to play in six different FIFA World Cups while appearing on the field in every single one.

Both legends already featured in the tournaments of 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022, meaning one more appearance in the United States, Mexico, and Canada would place them completely alone at the top of football history.

Mexican goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa is also part of the squad for this World Cup, making 2026 his sixth World Cup call-up as well. The difference is that Messi and Cristiano played minutes in all five of their previous tournaments, while Memo did not appear on the field during Germany 2006.

Klose feels the pressure from Messi and Mbappé

German striker Miroslav Klose still sits at the top of the World Cup scoring charts with 16 goals, but several major names are getting dangerously close.

Lionel Messi already owns 13 World Cup goals, while Kylian Mbappé has scored 12 times despite still being in his prime heading into 2026. If France produces another deep run, the French superstar could seriously threaten the historic record.

Mexico City Stadium is ready to make history again

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also produce historic moments away from the pitch. The newly renamed Mexico City Stadium will become the first venue ever to host the opening match of three different World Cups.

The iconic arena already played a central role during the opening ceremonies of the 1970 and 1986 FIFA World Cups, tournaments forever associated with legends such as Pelé and Diego Maradona. Now it is preparing to write another unforgettable chapter in 2026.

Didier Deschamps could become the winningest coach ever

Another major record under serious threat is the all-time mark for most World Cup victories as a manager.

German coach Helmut Schön still leads the historical ranking with 25 wins, but Didier Deschamps already owns 19 victories with France. If Les Bleus deliver another great tournament, the French manager could become the most successful coach in World Cup history.

Lamine Yamal wants to break Ronaldo Nazário’s record

Legendary Brazilian striker Ronaldo Nazário remains the youngest player ever to win the Ballon d’Or, having claimed the award in 1998 at just 21 years old.

However, the new generation is already threatening that record. Players such as Lamine Yamal, Estêvão, and Désiré Doué could break that mark if they explode onto the global stage during the 2026 World Cup. Especially the Barcelona wonderkid, who would arrive at the tournament at only 18 years old.

Messi is also chasing the wins record

Beyond pursuing his sixth World Cup appearance, the Argentine captain is also extremely close to becoming the player with the most victories in World Cup history.

The current record also belongs to Miroslav Klose with 17 wins, while Messi already owns 16 victories with Argentina. He needs only two more to stand alone at the top of the historical ranking.

Courtois wants to join the legendary goalkeepers club

The Belgian star could also move closer to one of the hardest records in football history to reach between the posts.

The all-time record for most clean sheets at the World Cup belongs to Peter Shilton and Fabien Barthez, both with 10 shutouts. Thibaut Courtois already has seven and could potentially match the record if Belgium makes another deep run.

Messi is chasing another record still owned by Pelé

Another historic category that could change in 2026 is the all-time World Cup assists record.

Brazilian legend Pelé still leads the ranking with 10 assists, but Lionel Messi already reached 8 after his incredible performances during Qatar 2022. Another brilliant tournament from the Argentine could place him at the top of that list as well.

Mbappé and Messi are trying to catch Cafu

The Brazilian icon remains the only footballer ever to play in three consecutive World Cup finals.

However, both Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé enter 2026 after already appearing in back-to-back finals with Argentina and France, respectively. Another appearance in the championship match would place them alongside the legendary Brazilian captain.