The records broken at the 2026 World Cup

The records broken at the 2026 FIFA World Cup underscored a landmark tournament as well as Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the final. Held across the United States, Canada and Mexico with 48 teams and 104 matches, the event drew a record crowd of more than six million fans. It also set a goalscoring benchmark as the highest total ever in a single World Cup. Kylian Mbappé scored twice versus England to become the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, while retaining the Golden Boot and becoming the first player to win it in consecutive World Cups. Lionel Messi reached 12 assists, becoming the tournament’s leading provider. Spain introduced championship rings to champions and staff, while Pau Cubarsí was named Best Young Player. Argentina set a finals red-card record, and Cristiano Ronaldo scored in six different World Cups.