2026 World Cup: Records Messi, Ronaldo, Mbappe, Others Are Chasing

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico could become one of the most record-breaking tournaments in football history, with some of the game’s biggest names and most successful nations on course to rewrite the record books.

Data compiled by ActionNetwork.com before the tournament commenced on Thursday, June 11, shows that a host of individual and team milestones are within reach in the expanded tournament, with Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe among the leading contenders to etch their names even deeper into World Cup folklore.

Messi and Mbappe are both closing in on the all-time World Cup scoring record of 16 goals, set by Germany’s Miroslav Klose. The Argentina captain has scored 13 goals at the tournament, while France forward Mbappe sits on 12.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, could become the first footballer to score in six different World Cup editions. The Portugal star already stands alone as the only player to have found the net in five separate tournaments.

Messi is also in line to extend several records he already owns. The Argentine legend has made a record 26 World Cup appearances, played a tournament-high 2,314 minutes and captained his country in 19 matches, more than any player in history.

Both Messi and Ronaldo could set another landmark by becoming the first players to feature in six World Cups.

The pair have appeared in every edition since Germany 2006 and could make history again if they play in the ongoing edition of the tournament.

Mbappe also has a unique opportunity. Having scored in the 2018 and 2022 World Cup finals, the Frenchman could become the first player ever to score in three separate finals if France reaches another showpiece match.

Among the nations, defending champions Argentina could join an exclusive club by retaining the trophy. Only Italy and Brazil have successfully defended a World Cup title.

Brazil, the most successful nation in the competition’s history with five titles, could stretch that record to six.

The South Americans are also set to make a record 23rd World Cup appearance and could add to their existing marks for most wins and most goals scored at the tournament.

England and Uruguay have their own slice of history within reach. Victory in 2026 would see either nation surpass Italy’s record 44-year gap between World Cup triumphs.

Germany could further strengthen several records, including most runner-up finishes and most third-place finishes.

France, meanwhile, could become only the third country after Germany and Brazil to reach three consecutive World Cup finals.

Other records under threat include England’s mark for the most drawn World Cup matches, Mexico’s unwanted record for the most defeats, and Germany’s tally for goals conceded.

The 2026 edition could also end a long wait for host nations. No host country has lifted the World Cup since France triumphed on home soil in 1998.

With the United States, Canada and Mexico jointly staging the tournament, that drought could finally come to an end.