Several records at risk as FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off today

KARACHI: As the FIFA World Cup 2026 gets underway across the United States of America (USA), Mexico and Canada, football fans are not only preparing for a month of drama and unforgettable moments but also for a tournament that could produce some of the most significant records in the tournament's history.

Several footballing giants, including Argentina, Brazil, France, Germany and England, have opportunities to etch their names deeper into the sport's history, while legendary stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are poised to achieve feats never seen before on football's biggest stage.

Messi and Ronaldo set for historic sixth World Cup

The spotlight will once again shine on Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are both expected to become the first players ever to feature in six FIFA World Cups.

Having appeared in every tournament since Germany 2006, the two icons continue to defy age and expectations. Messi already holds the record for the most World Cup appearances (26 matches), most minutes played (2,314) and most matches captained (19), records he is likely to extend further in North America.

Ronaldo, meanwhile, has the opportunity to achieve a milestone no player has managed before – scoring in six different World Cup tournaments. The Portuguese superstar is already the only player to have found the net in five separate editions.

Mbappe and Messi chase Klose's scoring record

Another major individual record under threat is Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring mark of 16 goals.

Messi enters the tournament with 13 World Cup goals, while France's Kylian Mbappe already has 12 despite being only 27 years old. Both players have realistic chances of matching or surpassing the German legend's record during the tournament.

Mbappe could also become the first player in history to score in three separate World Cup finals, having already netted in both the 2018 and 2022 title matches.

Argentina eye rare title defence

Defending champions Argentina arrive in North America with a chance to join one of football's most exclusive clubs.

If Lionel Scaloni's side lifts the trophy again, Argentina would become only the third nation to successfully defend a World Cup title, following Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). It would also mark the first successful title defence in 64 years.

Brazil chase more history

No nation has enjoyed greater World Cup success than Brazil, and the five-time champions could further strengthen their grip on football history.

A triumph in 2026 would deliver a record-extending sixth World Cup crown. Brazil are already the only country to have qualified for every World Cup and will make their 23rd appearance at the tournament.

The Selecao could also add to several existing records, including most World Cup victories, goals scored and matches played.

France target a third straight final

France have emerged as the dominant force of recent World Cups, winning in 2018 and finishing runners-up in 2022.

Should Les Bleus reach another final, they would become only the third nation ever to appear in three consecutive World Cup finals, matching achievements previously accomplished by Germany and Brazil.

England and Uruguay seek to end decades-long waits

The 2026 tournament also presents England and Uruguay with the opportunity to break an unusual record.

Italy currently holds the record for the longest gap between successive World Cup triumphs 44 years between 1938 and 1982.

If England wins its first World Cup since 1966, the gap would stretch to 60 years. For Uruguay, champions in 1950, the drought would reach an astonishing 76 years.

Germany's records continue to grow

Germany enters the tournament as one of the most statistically dominant nations in World Cup history.

The four-time champions could extend their record for the most World Cup final appearances, potentially reaching a ninth final. Germany also owns the record for the most second-place and third-place finishes in tournament history.

Can a host nation finally win again?

For the first time since France lifted the trophy on home soil in 1998, a host nation could become world champion.

With hosting duties shared between the United States, Mexico and Canada, the chances of ending the 28-year wait for a host winner are higher than ever.

As the biggest World Cup in history begins, featuring 48 teams and 104 matches, football's greatest stars and nations will not only compete for glory but also for places in the record books. By the time the final whistle blows next month, several milestones that once seemed untouchable may have fallen.