Key World Cup records entering 2026: Most goals in a tournament — Just Fontaine (France, 13 goals, 1958) — 64 years unbroken; Most career goals — Ronaldo (Brazil, 15 goals, 4 tournaments); Biggest victory — Hungary 10-1 El Salvador (1982); Fastest goal — Hakan Şükür (Turkey) 11 seconds vs South Korea (2002); Most appearances — Lothar Matthäus (25 games); Most World Cups played — Antonio Carbajal/Lothar Matthäus/Rafael Márquez (5 tournaments each).
Which records could fall in 2026? With 104 games, Fontaine's 13-goal record could finally be challenged by Haaland or Mbappe in prime form. The 32-team era (1998-2022) produced 3-4 goals per game average; 48-team format may see slight decrease due to more defensive small-nation sides.
USA: Fox Sports & Telemundo. UK: BBC & ITV. Australia: SBS (free). FIFA+ streams select games globally.
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams across 104 games — a historic expansion from 32 teams in previous tournaments.