2026 World Cup: Messi, Ronaldo Lead List of All-Time Record Holders


 

By Abel Chigozie 


With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to kick off in the United States, Canada and Mexico, several football stars are already eyeing new milestones, while others remain among the tournament's greatest record holders.


Lionel Messi heads into the competition as one of the most decorated players in World Cup history. The Argentine captain holds the record for the most World Cup appearances by a player, having featured in six editions, and also boasts the highest number of World Cup matches played. He capped his remarkable journey by leading Argentina to the 2022 title in Qatar.


Cristiano Ronaldo, who is expected to feature for Portugal, is also chasing more history. The five-time Ballon d'Or winner remains the only player to score in six different World Cup tournaments and could extend his record if he finds the net at the 2026 edition.


Other notable World Cup record holders include:


Miroslav Klose (Germany): All-time highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 16 goals.


Just Fontaine (France): Holds the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, netting 13 times at the 1958 tournament.


Pelé (Brazil): The only player to win three FIFA World Cup titles (1958, 1962 and 1970).


Lothar Matthäus (Germany): Holds the record for the most World Cup tournaments played before Messi surpassed his appearance mark.


Paolo Maldini (Italy): One of the defenders with the highest number of World Cup minutes played.


Cafu (Brazil): The only player to feature in three consecutive World Cup finals, winning two titles.



The expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, making it the biggest tournament in the competition's history. Fans are expected to witness new records alongside the possible final World Cup appearances of football icons like Messi and Ronaldo as they continue to cement their legacies.

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