World Cup records are made to be broken, but few tournaments have arrived with as many milestones under threat as the 2026 edition.
The expanded 48-team format means more matches, more goals and more opportunities for players and nations to rewrite the history books.
Some records are almost certain to fall, while others will depend on legendary careers producing one final chapter on football's biggest stage.
From Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo preparing for what are expected to be their final World Cups, to Kylian Mbappe hunting down Miroslav Klose's goalscoring record, here are the main records that could be broken this summer.
Six World Cups for icons
One of the most significant records could fall during the tournament's opening week, when Messi and Ronaldo attempt to become the first players ever to play at six World Cups.
With Argentina kicking off a day before Portugal, Messi could become the first to reach the new landmark.
Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa has been named in a record-equalling sixth World Cup squad, but did not to make an appearance at either the 2006 or 2010 tournaments.
Only seven players have previously appeared at five World Cups and the fact that it is the two modern-day greats who look set to share the record is testament to the extraordinary longevity and brilliance of their respective careers.
Messi extending his own records
Messi already owns the record for most World Cup appearances with 26 and should extend that tally significantly.
The Argentina captain also enters the competition with 13 World Cup goals and has eyes on Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16.
Given La Albiceleste's status among the favourites and the additional knockout round available this year, Klose's record is arguably more vulnerable than at any point since the German retired.
Messi could also add to his record for World Cup victories. He currently sits one win behind Klose's total of 17 World Cup match wins and may well overtake that mark during the group stage.
Should the South Americans successfully defend their crown, Messi would become the first captain in history to lead a nation to back-to-back World Cup titles.
Italy and Brazil both retained the trophy, but did so under different skippers.
Argentina are also attempting to become the first nation to win four consecutive major international tournaments, following successes at the 2021 Copa America, the 2022 World Cup and the 2024 Copa America.
Ronaldo's last dance
At 41, Ronaldo is preparing for what he has confirmed will be his final World Cup.
The Portugal captain already holds the unique distinction of scoring at five different World Cups and can extend that record to six if he finds the net in North America.
Ronaldo is also chasing several age-related records.
Pepe currently holds the record as the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match after finding the net for Portugal at 39 years and 283 days in Qatar.
Ronaldo is well positioned to surpass that mark if the Selecao make the latter stages.
Should Portugal reach the final, Ronaldo would also become the oldest outfield player ever to appear in a World Cup final.
Mbappe hunting history
While Messi and Ronaldo are nearing the end, Mbappe could feasibly have another four tournaments left in him if he matches their career longevity.
The French superstar already has 12 World Cup goals and needs five more to surpass Klose's record. After notching eight in Qatar, he may only need one more tournament to surpass the German striker.
Another Golden Boot would also place him in unique company, as , remarkably, no player has ever won the men's World Cup Golden Boot twice.
Mbappe took the award in 2022 and has the opportunity to become the first repeat winner.
Kane and James chasing Golden Boot history
Mbappe is not the only player who could become the first two-time Golden Boot winner.
England captain Harry Kane claimed the award in Russia in 2018 and arrives at the tournament as one of the leading contenders once again.
The Bayern Munich striker also sits on eight World Cup goals, the same tally as Ronaldo, so would climb the all-time scoring charts with another prolific campaign.
Colombia's James Rodriguez is another former Golden Boot winner still active at international level.
The playmaker claimed the prize in 2014 and would become a history-maker if he were to spring a surprise and top the scoring charts again.
Golden Glove repeat?
The Golden Glove is another award that could see its first ever repeat winner.
Argentina's Emiliano Martinez arrives as the holder after his heroics in Qatar, while Germany veteran Manuel Neuer and Belgium's Thibaut Courtois will also fancy their chances.
Courtois has additional history in his sights. The Belgian enters the tournament with seven World Cup clean sheets and is only three behind the all-time record jointly held by Peter Shilton and Fabien Barthez.
Deschamps closing on coaching greatness
France manager Didier Deschamps could leave the United States having rewritten the coaching records.
The Frenchman has already overseen 19 World Cup matches and 14 victories.
Another deep run would see him move beyond Germany legend Helmut Schon's record of 16 wins from 25 matches as a World Cup coach.
Deschamps also has the chance to become only the second manager in history to win two World Cups, joining Italy's Vittorio Pozzo.
With Les Bleus among the favourites once again, all three records are firmly within reach.
Rashford the ultimate super-sub
England forward Marcus Rashford may not start every match, but that could help him chase a unique piece of World Cup history.
Brazil's Denilson currently holds the record for most substitute appearances in World Cup history with 11.
Rashford enters the tournament on nine appearances from the bench and would move clear if he is introduced as a substitute in three matches during England's campaign.
Given his role under Three Lions head coach Thomas Tuchel, it is a record well worth watching.
Some records guaranteed to fall
Not every record depends on individual brilliance.
The expansion from 64 matches to 104 means the record for total goals scored at a World Cup is almost certain to be broken. The current benchmark of 172 goals was set in Qatar in 2022.
Tournament records for yellow cards, red cards and overall attendance are also likely to fall simply because there are so many more matches being played.
See all World Cup 2026 fixtures and tables.
More World Cup 2026 news and predictions from LiveScore
