Several long-standing FIFA World Cup records are under threat just 10 days into the 2026 tournament, with some of football’s biggest names already rewriting the history books.
The expanded 48-team competition has produced a series of standout performances, with players including Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland making strong starts as they chase major individual milestones.
Messi closes in on all-time scoring mark
Argentina captain Lionel Messi moved level with former Germany striker Miroslav Klose as the leading scorer in World Cup history after netting a hat-trick in his country’s 3-0 victory over Algeria.
The 38-year-old now has 16 World Cup goals, matching Klose’s long-standing record. With group-stage matches still to come, Messi is widely expected to become the tournament’s outright leading scorer.
France forward Kylian Mbappe is also climbing rapidly. The Real Madrid star already has 14 World Cup goals and recently became France’s all-time top scorer with 58 international goals.
England captain Harry Kane remains in contention as well after moving onto 10 World Cup goals with a brace against Croatia.
Ronaldo, Haaland chase new landmarks
Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo continues to set longevity records despite failing to score in his side’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo.
The 41-year-old became only the second player, alongside Messi, to feature at six World Cups. A goal in the tournament would also make him the first player to score at six different World Cup editions.
Meanwhile, Norway striker Erling Haaland marked his World Cup debut with two goals in a 4-1 win over Iraq.
The Manchester City forward became Norway’s joint-leading scorer at World Cup finals and needs one more goal to claim the record outright.
Elsewhere, Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha entered the record books after helping his nation secure a goalless draw against Spain.
At 40 years and 12 days, he became the oldest goalkeeper to keep a clean sheet on his World Cup debut.
France manager Didier Deschamps is also approaching history. One more victory will see him equal the record for the most World Cup wins by a coach, currently held by former West Germany boss Helmut Schön with 16.
With the knockout stage still weeks away, several of football’s most celebrated records could soon have new owners.
