The 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one of the most historic tournaments in football history, with several global stars on the verge of breaking long-standing records on the game’s biggest stage.
Hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament will feature 48 teams and 104 matches for the first time, creating even more opportunities for football’s biggest names to etch their names into history.
From legendary icons like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo chasing final milestones, to younger stars like Lamine Yamal and Jude Bellingham aiming to announce themselves on the global stage, the tournament could witness several remarkable achievements.
Here are nine players who could rewrite World Cup history in 2026:
Kylian Mbappé — Most World Cup Goals
The French superstar already has 12 World Cup goals and is closing in on the all-time record of 16 held by Miroslav Klose. Another deep run with France national football team could see him become the tournament’s greatest scorer.
Lionel Messi — More Argentina World Cup Records
Messi already holds several World Cup records for Argentina and could further extend his legacy with more goals, appearances and captaincy records if Argentina national football team perform strongly again.
Cristiano Ronaldo — Scoring in Six World Cups
The Portugal captain is already the only player to score in five separate World Cups. A goal in 2026 would make him the first footballer ever to score in six editions of the competition.
Lamine Yamal — Youngest Golden Ball Winner
At just 18 years old, the Spanish wonderkid could become the youngest player ever to win the World Cup Golden Ball award if he inspires Spain national football team to a memorable campaign.
Harry Kane — England’s Leading World Cup Scorer
The England captain currently has eight World Cup goals and is within touching distance of Gary Lineker’s national record of 10.
Neymar — Brazil’s Top World Cup Scorer
If fully fit, Neymar could challenge the Brazilian World Cup scoring record currently held by Ronaldo Nazário, as he continues to lead Brazil national football team.
Vinícius Júnior — Most Assists by a Brazilian in One Tournament
The Real Madrid winger’s creativity and pace could see him break assist records if Brazil reach the latter stages of the competition.
Erling Haaland — Most Goals in a Debut World Cup
Should Norway national football team qualify, Haaland could challenge records for goals scored in a player’s first World Cup appearance.
Emiliano Martínez — Most Penalty Saves in World Cup Shootouts
Argentina’s goalkeeper has already built a reputation as a penalty specialist and could further cement his place in World Cup history with another strong tournament.
With more matches and more drama expected than ever before, the 2026 World Cup could become the tournament where some of football’s greatest records finally fall.
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