World Cup Records Set to Fall in 2026

The 2026 World Cup, now 10 days old, has already rewritten football history. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, and Erling Haaland have made explosive starts in their opening fixtures. As these players prepare for their second matches, numerous records appear poised to fall.

Messi Targets All-Time Goals Record

Since 2014, Germany striker Miroslav Klose held the record for most World Cup goals with 16. However, Messi's hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria moved him level with Klose, requiring 27 games—three more than Klose. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner now stands atop the all-time standings and could surpass Klose in Argentina's next Group J match against Austria.

Close behind is France captain Kylian Mbappe, who has 14 World Cup goals and recently became France's all-time leading scorer with 58 international goals. Harry Kane trails with 10 goals, but may be too far back to challenge for the record this tournament.

Kane Equals Lineker's England Record

After watching Messi, Haaland, and Mbappe score, Kane reminded the footballing world of his prowess in England's 4-2 win over Croatia. The England captain netted twice in Dallas, moving level with Gary Lineker as England's all-time leading World Cup scorer with 10 goals. With Ghana up next on Tuesday, Kane could soon surpass Lineker.

Kane also became only the second England player—after David Beckham—to score at three different World Cups (2018, 2022, 2026). Additionally, his 115th England appearance tied Beckham among the country's most-capped players.

Race for Multiple Golden Boots

Mbappe, who won the Golden Boot in 2022 with eight goals, faces stiff competition to retain the award. Kane won the prize in 2018 with six goals. Currently, Messi, Germany's Denis Undav, and Canada's Jonathan David lead with three goals each, while Kane, Haaland, and Mbappe are just one goal behind. This race could be historic, as no player has won multiple World Cup Golden Boots.

Ronaldo's Age and Appearance Records

Cristiano Ronaldo, despite a lackluster performance in Portugal's 1-1 draw with DR Congo, remains a record-breaker. In 2022, he set the record for most World Cups scored in (five: 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022). Messi has since equaled that, but a goal for Ronaldo in 2026 would make it six tournaments.

Ronaldo also became the oldest outfield player to start a World Cup match, at 41 years and 132 days, surpassing Canada's Atiba Hutchinson (39 years, 296 days in 2022). He and Messi are the only men to play in six World Cups.

Haaland Eyes Norway Record

Erling Haaland, already Norway's leading active scorer, is poised to become the nation's all-time World Cup scorer. With his goal in Norway's opener, he continues to close in on the record, adding to the list of milestones expected this tournament.