With the 2026 World Cup, the number of tournaments will reach 23. The planet's most prestigious football event is notable not only for its champions but also for its enduring and updated records.
Mexico holds the record for hosting the most World Cups: 1970, 1986, and 2026. Brazil is the only team to have participated in every tournament from 1930 to 2026.
Brazil also boasts the most titles (5), wins (76), and goals (237). Germany has appeared in the most finals (8).
The biggest win in a single match is Hungary's 10-1 victory over El Salvador in 1982. Individually, Messi and Ronaldo are the first players to play in six World Cups (2006-2026).
Messi holds the record for most World Cup appearances (26 matches). Miroslav Klose is the all-time top scorer (16 goals), Just Fontaine scored the most in a single tournament (13 in 1958), and Oleg Salenko scored the most in a match (5 goals vs Cameroon in 1994).
Pelé is the most successful player with three titles. Vittorio Pozzo is the only coach to win two World Cups. Helmut Schön coached the most matches (25).
Whether these records will be broken at the 2026 World Cup remains a key question for fans.
