Records are made to be broken and it seems like the way this World Cup has shaped up so far that a lot of history could be made in North America.
Legends bowing out on top of up and coming stars making names for themselves on the world stage is the perfect balance for this World Cup to rewrite some long standing numbers
Messi And Mbappe Closing In On World Cup History
Since 2014, former Germany striker Miroslav Klose has stood alone at the peak of football history with 16 World Cup goals. That record is now on the verge of being shattered.
Lionel Messi’s vintage hat-trick in Argentina’s opening 3-0 victory against Algeria moved the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner level with Klose at the top of the all-time standings.
With the little magician the engine of Argentina's attack and more games to play at this World Cup, one more goal should be inevitable.
Lurking just behind is France captain Kylian Mbappe. Having already become France's all-time leading goalscorer with 58 international goals, Mbappe sits on 14 World Cup goals at only 27.
He can also become the first player to have multiple World Cup Golden Boots alongside Harry Kane.
Harry Kane on Verge of English History
Harry Kane reminded the footballing world exactly what he is capable of, bagging a brace during England's thrilling 4-2 victory over Croatia in Dallas.
Those two goals pulled Kane level with Gary Lineker as England’s all-time leading scorer at World Cup finals with 10 goals. Another clinical finish at Ghana next could make him stand alone on that list
Kane also became only the second England player in history—following in the footsteps of Sir David Beckham—to score at three different World Cup tournaments. Furthermore, the game marked Kane’s 115th cap, only 10 away from Peter Shilton at No 1.
Ronaldo Continues To Redefine Longevity
Inevitably, Cristiano Ronaldo has carved out his own slice of history in North America. Despite a poor team performance in Portugal’s shock 1-1 draw with DR Congo, Ronaldo officially became the oldest outfield player to ever start a World Cup match, aged 41 years and 132 days, surpassing Canada's Atiba Hutchinson.
By simply stepping onto the pitch in Houston, Ronaldo joined Messi as the only men to ever play in six different World Cup tournaments.
If he manages to find the back of the net in Portugal's upcoming fixtures, he will become the first player to score in six separate tournaments.
Haaland's Fast Start And A Tournament Of Red Cards
Where goals and records are concerned, Manchester City's Erling Haaland is never far away. Making his World Cup debut for Norway, the striker needed just 20 touches to net a double in a 4-1 win over Iraq.
In doing so, he immediately became Norway’s joint-all-time leading scorer at the World Cup, matching Kjetil Rekdal
Meanwhile, the new foul rules has caused more cards to be shown each games. The historical record for the most red cards at a single World Cup stands at 28, set in Germany in 2006.
Amazingly, referees have already shown six red cards in just the first 10 days of the 2026 tournament, more than the entire tournament totals of the 2018 and 2022 World Cups combined.
