The 2026 FIFA World Cup will expand to 48 teams and 104 matches, guaranteeing several records will fall. France's Didier Deschamps seems poised to surpass Helmut Schön's record of 16 managerial victories, while the tournament's goal tally will easily surpass 2022's 172 due to the increased schedule.

Multiple veterans could set a record for most 40-plus players in a single tournament, with Cristiano Ronaldo (41) and Luka Modric (40) among potential participants. Meanwhile, Lionel Messi (13 goals) and Kylian Mbappé (12) threaten Miroslav Klose's all-time record of 16 World Cup goals.

Spain's Lamine Yamal (18) might become the youngest Golden Boot winner, challenging Thomas Müller's 2010 record. The expanded tournament format creates multiple opportunities for history-making performances across statistical categories as the sport evolves toward more offensive play.