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The FIFA World Cup 2026™ is shaping up to be a landmark event, not only due to its expanded format but also because numerous long-standing records could be surpassed on football’s grandest stage.

Several active legends are on the brink of etching their names deeper into the history books of the world’s most prestigious tournament.

Here are 12 notable records, highlighted by FIFA, that could fall when the action kicks off across North America:

1. Oldest coach in World Cup history

Germany’s Otto Rehhagel currently holds this record for managing Greece at the 2010 World Cup at the age of 71. The main contender to break it is Dick Advocaat of Curaçao, who is 78 years old. Although he resigned earlier this year due to a family matter after qualifying Curaçao, he returned in May. When Curaçao face Germany on June 14, Advocaat will become the oldest coach ever at a World Cup. At 74, Miroslav Koubek of the Czech Republic and Hugo Broos of South Africa are also in contention but trail significantly behind the Dutch veteran.

2. Oldest player to score in a knockout stage

Portugal’s Pepe holds the current record, having scored at age 39. Cristiano Ronaldo (41), Luka Modric (40), and Edin Dzeko (40) are the leading names chasing this mark. Despite their illustrious careers, both Ronaldo and Modric have yet to score in a World Cup knockout match.

3. Most wins by a player

Miroslav Klose tops this list with 17 victories for Germany. Lionel Messi, with 16 wins, is just one triumph away from overtaking him. Argentina will face Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage, giving Messi an early opportunity to set a new record.

4. All-time leading goal scorer in World Cup history

Klose also holds this record with 16 goals. Lionel Messi (13) and Kylian Mbappé (12) are closest to catching him. Mbappé, who has netted 11 times in his last 11 World Cup appearances, appears to be the long-term challenger, while Messi needs four goals to claim the title outright.

5. Most World Cup tournaments played

Antonio Carbajal, Andrés Guardado, Rafa Márquez, Lothar Matthäus, Guillermo Ochoa, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo share the record with five appearances each. If Messi, Ronaldo, or Ochoa take the field in 2026, they will become the first players ever to participate in six World Cups.

6. Most goals scored from outside the penalty area

Brazilian legend Rivelino leads this category with five long-range goals. Known for his powerful ‘Atomic Kick,’ he scored five of his six World Cup goals from distance. Lionel Messi, who already has four such goals, needs just one more to equal the Brazilian icon.

7. Youngest Golden Ball winner

Ronaldo Nazário has held this distinction since 1998 when he was named Best Player at 21. Spain’s 18-year-old prodigy Lamine Yamal is currently the strongest candidate to surpass that milestone. While other young stars will also feature, few match the impact and expectations surrounding the Barcelona forward.

8. Most matches managed by a coach

Helmut Schön holds the all-time record with 25 matches for Germany. Didier Deschamps, with 19 games in charge of France, could equal Schön by reaching the quarterfinals in 2026 and surpass him by advancing to the semifinals.

9. Most finals played by a player

Brazil’s Cafu leads with three finals (1994, 1998, and 2002). Lionel Messi (2014, 2022) and Kylian Mbappé (2018, 2022) are both in contention to match that record. Should Argentina or France reach the final in North America, one of them will join Cafu in this elite category.

10. Most clean sheets by a goalkeeper

Peter Shilton and Fabien Barthez share the record with 10 clean sheets each. Belgian keeper Thibaut Courtois, with seven to his name, could challenge that mark when Belgium face Egypt, Iran, and New Zealand in Group G.

11. Hat-tricks in multiple World Cup editions

Gabriel Batistuta remains the only player to have scored a hat-trick in two separate World Cups (1994 and 1998). Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Gonçalo Ramos, and Cristiano Ronaldo, all of whom have already scored a hat-trick in past tournaments, will aim to equal the Argentine’s achievement.

12. Most substitute appearances

Brazil’s Denílson, now a football commentator, holds the record with 11 appearances as a substitute. Marcus Rashford of England, with nine, is closest to surpassing him. Frequently used as a second-half option, Rashford needs to come off the bench in three matches to take the record outright.

These potential milestones add extra excitement to the upcoming tournament, promising fans around the world a World Cup full of history in the making.