Will Antoine Griezmann make it to the 2026 World Cup with France? We analyze statistics, current events, and his role with Les Bleus on their way to the most important tournament on the planet.
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WILL RECORDS BE BROKEN AT THE 2026 WORLD CUP?
With 48 teams, 3 host countries, and a revamped format, the 2026 World Cup promises to be a historic spectacle. But beyond the excitement, statistics suggest we could see several major records fall: from the most goals in a tournament to new individual records. Are you ready to discover the data that could write a new chapter in football history?
A format that changes everything
The 2026 World Cup will be unlike any other. With the expansion to 48 teams and a tripartite hosting arrangement between the United States, Mexico, and Canada, a different tournament is on the horizon, both in structure and in opportunities to break records.
How does the tournament change?
Before, there were 32 teams; now there will be 48 divided into 12 groups of 4. 32 qualify for the knockout stage. More matches = more goals = more chances for records.
There will be 104 matches in total (the previous record was 64).
The tournament is estimated to last around 39 days.
The group stage will now feature more debutant teams.
Greater tactical and cultural diversity in the game.
More exposure for young players and emerging stars.
All of this creates fertile ground for historic records to be broken, both collectively and individually. It's not just football, it's history in the making.
Team Records That Could Fall
When we talk about international football, team records are what excite fans the most: most goals, most assists, most unbeaten matches. In 2026, there are ideal conditions to shatter several.
Goals and More Goals
The current record for goals in a World Cup is 172 (Qatar 2022). With more matches, the 2026 World Cup could surpass 200 goals, something never seen before.
Furthermore, debutant teams often have weaker defenses, which increases the average number of goals per game. In Russia 2018 there were 169 goals. In Brazil 2014, there were 171 goals. Qatar 2022 set the record with 172. With 104 matches in 2026, surpassing 200 goals seems realistic. More undefeated teams. With so many teams, there is a possibility that several teams will remain undefeated. undefeated during the group stage or even up to the quarterfinals, which could set a record for the most undefeated teams in a tournament.Curiosities and oddities
The record for penalties in a World Cup could also be broken. In Russia 2018, 29 penalties were awarded, and VAR played a key role. With more matches, more contact in the penalty area, and more refined technology, we could see a deluge of penalties in 2026.
And watch out for assists: with more goals, the possibility of breaking the record for most assists by a single player also increases. The current record is 6 (Pelé in 1970 and Messi in 2022).
Stars Who Can Make History
The 2026 World Cup could be the last for several living legends and the crowning of new idols. And with them, the possibility of rewriting the individual record books.
Messi again?
Lionel Messi already has 13 World Cup goals. If he plays in 2026, with just 3 more goals he would surpass Miroslav Klose (16) and become the all-time leading scorer. It seems difficult, but not impossible. Remember that with Argentina, anything can happen.
New names in history
Kylian Mbappé could also break records: he's young, already has 12 World Cup goals, and could reach 2026 in top form. And let's not forget Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Jr., and even youngsters like Lamine Yamal or Endrick if they're fit.
Most goals in a single edition (Just Fontaine – 13 in 1958) is at risk.
Most matches played in World Cups: Messi has 26, he could reach 30.
Youngest player to score: a record that could be broken by a teenage debutant.
Most assists in a single edition.
Record-holding coaches
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