Historical Records at Stake in the FIFA World Cup 2026: Messi, Mbappé, and Curaçao Aim to Make History

The World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada could break legendary records, from the top scorer to the debut of the smallest nation.

New World Cup, new records at stake

The World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada promises not only footballing excitement but also the possibility of witnessing the breaking of historical records that once seemed unattainable.

Top goalscorers

One of the focal points will be Miroslav Klose's record, the all-time top scorer in the World Cup with 16 goals. Lionel Messi, with 13, and Kylian Mbappé, with 12, arrive with a concrete chance to surpass it. The Argentine, at 38 years old, seeks to close his World Cup cycle with another feat, while the Frenchman, in his prime, aims to continue writing his name in the grand history.

Double Golden Boot?

Another challenge is that of the first double Golden Boot. No player has managed to repeat as the top scorer in a World Cup. Mbappé (2022), Harry Kane (2018), and James Rodríguez (2014) are the candidates to break that barrier and become pioneers.

Title-challenger squads with foreign coaches

En los bancos también habrá récords en juego. Por primera vez podría consagrarse un DT extranjero campeón. Inglaterra confía en Thomas Tuchel, Brasil en Carlo Ancelotti y Portugal en Roberto Martínez, tres técnicos de renombre que buscan romper con la tradición de entrenadores locales levantando la Copa.

A 78-year-old coach

The case of Dick Advocaat is unique: at 78 years old, he is coaching Curaçao and will become the oldest coach in the history of the tournament, surpassing Otto Rehhagel's record (71 in 2010).

Victories with their National Team

In terms of victories, Didier Deschamps has accumulated 14 World Cup wins and aims to surpass Helmut Schön's 16, in addition to his 25 matches managed. France, the reigning runner-up, offers him the ideal platform to achieve that record.

Three footballers, six World Cups each

The chapter of longevity is also being written on the field, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Guillermo Ochoa can become the first footballers to play in six consecutive World Cups, a milestone that would mark the history of the sport.

The debut of the smallest nation in the world

Finally, Curaçao's debut will be historic: it becomes the smallest nation in population and territory to compete in a World Cup, surpassing Iceland. A symbol of the growth of football in emerging regions.