The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico was one of the most memorable editions in the tournament’s history….
The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico was one of the most memorable editions in the tournament’s history.
From Kylian Mbappé’s goalscoring exploits to Lamine Yamal’s age-defying feats, several long-standing records were rewritten.
1. Kylian Mbappé Becomes the All-Time Leading World Cup Goalscorer
Current holder: Kylian Mbappé (France) – 22 goals
Mbappé overtook Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA Men’s World Cup history after scoring twice in France’s third-place loss to England.
2. Most Goals in World Cup Knockout Matches
Current holder: Kylian Mbappé (France)
The French captain extended his record as the competition’s most prolific knockout-stage goalscorer on 12 goals, further cementing his place among football’s greatest big-game players.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo Becomes the First Player to Score in Six World Cups
Current holder: Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo added another milestone to his remarkable career by becoming the first footballer to score in six different FIFA World Cups.
4. Lionel Messi Becomes the Oldest Player to Score a World Cup Hat-trick
Current holder: Lionel Messi (Argentina)
At 39, Messi became the oldest player ever to score a hat-trick in a FIFA Men’s World Cup match.
5. Lamine Yamal Becomes the Youngest Player to Reach Both a UEFA Euro and FIFA World Cup Final
Current holder: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Yamal made history as the first teenager to feature in both a European Championship final and a FIFA World Cup final, highlighting his extraordinary rise with Spain.
6. Lamine Yamal Sets Record for Most World Cup Appearances by an 18-Year-Old
Current holder: Lamine Yamal (Spain)
The Spanish winger became the first player aged 18 or younger to make six appearances at a single FIFA World Cup.
7. Dick Advocaat Becomes the Oldest Coach in World Cup History
Current holder: Dick Advocaat (Curaçao) – 78 years
The veteran Dutch manager became the oldest head coach ever to lead a team at the FIFA World Cup.
8. Cape Verde Become the Smallest Nation to Reach the Knockout Stage
Current holder: Cape Verde
Cape Verde became the smallest country by population ever to qualify for the knockout rounds of the Men’s World Cup.
9. Highest-Scoring World Cup Ever
Current holder: 2026 FIFA World Cup
The expanded 48-team tournament produced more goals than any previous edition of the FIFA World Cup.
10. Highest Attendance in World Cup History
Current holder: 2026
FIFA World Cup
With more than six million fans attending matches across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the tournament set a new attendance record.
11. Biggest FIFA World Cup Ever
Current holder: 2026 FIFA World Cup
The 2026 edition featured a record 48 teams, 104 matches and three host nations, making it the largest World Cup in history.
12. Spain Win Their Second FIFA World Cup Title
Current holder: Spain
Spain defeated Argentina in the final to claim their second FIFA World Cup crown, becoming only the ninth nation to win the tournament more than once.
