Records That Could Be Broken In The 2026 World Cup

The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to produce history in more ways than one. With 48 teams, 104 matches and several legendary players still competing, a number of long-standing records could fall this summer. Most Goals in a Single World Cup Tournament Current record: 172 goals (Qatar 2022) With the number of matches increasing from 64 to 104, this record looks almost certain to be broken. Even if goals are scored at a lower average than previous tournaments, the extra 40 games should comfortably push the total beyond the mark set in Qatar. Most World Cup Appearances Current record: Five tournaments Antonio Carbajal, Lothar Matthäus, Rafael Márquez, Andrés Guardado, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa currently share the record with five World Cup appearances. Messi and Ronaldo could become the first players ever to appear in six World Cups. Most World Cup Goals Current record: Miroslav Klose – 16 goals Klose has held the record since 2014, but Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé are within striking distance. Another strong tournament from either player could see the German legend finally overtaken. Most World Cup Wins by a Player Several players are approaching records for victories on the biggest stage. With teams now potentially playing eight matches instead of seven, new milestones could be set. Most Red Cards in a Tournament

Current record: 28 red cards The increase to 104 matches gives this record a realistic chance of falling, especially if knockout matches become increasingly tense. (Football365) Most Yellow Cards in a Tournament Current record: 345 yellow cards (Germany 2006) Another statistic that could be broken simply because of the expanded format and the larger number of games. Oldest Player to Feature at a World Cup Veteran goalkeepers and several players over the age of 40 are present at the tournament. Scotland's Craig Gordon and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo are among those chasing age-related records. Oldest Player to Score in a Knockout Match Cristiano Ronaldo could also rewrite history by becoming the oldest player ever to score in the knockout stages. Most Matches Played at a Single World Cup Because finalists now have to play eight games instead of seven, players reaching the final could establish a brand-new benchmark for appearances in one tournament. A Tournament Full of History With more teams, more matches and football icons still performing on the biggest stage, the 2026 World Cup could become one of the most record-breaking tournaments the sport has ever witnessed.