2026 World Cup: A Stage for New Football History
The 2026 World Cup, still in its early stages, is already proving to be a monumental tournament for football history. Star players like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland have made strong starts, setting the stage for numerous records to be broken in the first 48-team competition. From extending World Cup legacies to achieving national scoring milestones, several significant records are either already surpassed or on the brink of being rewritten.
Messi Eyes All-Time World Cup Goal Record
Since 2014, Germany's Miroslav Klose held the record for most World Cup goals with 16. However, Lionel Messi's impressive hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 victory against Algeria has brought the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner level with Klose. Messi achieved this milestone in 27 matches, three more than Klose, but his current form suggests he is poised to claim the record outright. France's Kylian Mbappe is also a contender, currently with 14 goals, and has already become France's all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals.
Kane Equals England's World Cup Scoring Record
Harry Kane showcased his scoring prowess with two goals in England's 4-2 win over Croatia, propelling the Three Lions to the top of Group L. These goals brought Kane level with Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals, both now with 10 goals. With an upcoming match against Ghana, Kane has a strong chance to surpass Lineker. This tournament also marks Kane's third World Cup with goals, a feat only previously achieved by Sir David Beckham for England. Furthermore, his 115th appearance for England put him alongside Beckham as one of the country's most-capped players.
The Race for Multiple Golden Boots
Kylian Mbappe, who won the Golden Boot in 2022 with eight goals, is vying to become the first player to win the award multiple times. England's Harry Kane, the 2018 Golden Boot winner with six goals, is also a strong contender. Currently, Messi, Germany's Denis Undav, and Canada's Jonathan David lead the scoring with three goals each, with Kane, Haaland, and Mbappe close behind with two goals.
Ronaldo and Messi Extend World Cup Appearances
Cristiano Ronaldo, who set a record in 2022 for scoring in five different World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, and 2022), has seen Lionel Messi equal this achievement. If Ronaldo scores in the 2026 edition, he would set a new record by scoring in six World Cups. In Portugal's opening game, Ronaldo also became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match at 41 years and 132 days, surpassing Canada's Atiba Hutchinson.
Haaland's Immediate Impact for Norway
Erling Haaland made an impressive World Cup debut for Norway, scoring two goals in their 4-1 victory over Iraq with just 20 touches. This performance made him the first player to net a double for Norway at a World Cup and immediately brought him level with Kjetil Rekdal as Norway's all-time leading scorer in the tournament. He is expected to surpass Rekdal in their next match against Senegal.
Vozinha's Record-Breaking Goalkeeping Debut
Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made a memorable World Cup debut in a 0-0 draw against Spain, making seven crucial saves. At 40 years and 12 days, he became the oldest player to appear in a nation's debut World Cup match, breaking the record held by Curacao's Eloy Room. Vozinha also became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his World Cup finals debut.
Deschamps Nears Managerial Wins Record
France manager Didier Deschamps is on the verge of equalling the record for most World Cup wins as a manager. He is currently one victory shy of Helmut Schon's record of 16 wins. A win against Iraq would bring Deschamps level, with a potential new record of 17 wins in the final group game against Norway.
Increase in Red Cards
The 2026 World Cup has seen a notable increase in red cards early in the tournament. Six red cards have already been issued, including three in Mexico's opening win against South Africa, followed by dismissals for Bosnia-Herzegovina's Tarik Muharemovic and Qatar's Assim Omer Madibo and Homam el Amin. This tally surpasses the total red cards shown in the entire 2022 and 2018 World Cups (four in each), suggesting the 2006 record of 28 red cards could be challenged.