The FIFA World Cup is where soccer legends are formed.
Though the achievements of figures such as Pele and Diego Maradona at club level are not to be overlooked, it was their exploits in the World Cup that have secured their place in the history books forever.
World Cup record holders have a unique place in the sport’s history. Nothing soccer has to offer is as iconic as this particular tournament.
With that in mind, here’s a look at every World Cup record holder you need to know about ahead of this year’s edition.
Country with most World Cup wins
Brazil are the country to have won the most World Cup titles in history. They have lifted it on five occasions (1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002).
World Cup all-time top scorers
Despite Brazil’s success in the tournament, German striker Miroslav Klose is in fact the player to have scored the most goals in World Cup history.
The former Bayern Munich forward notched 16 goals during his appearances at the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions.
Active players who could catch Klose this year are Argentina’s Lionel Messi (13) and France forward Kylian Mbappe (12).
Youngest goal scorer at a World Cup
Brazilian great Pele remains the youngest player to have ever scored at a World Cup. At the age of just 17 years and 239 days, Pele scored for Brazil when they beat Wales in 1958 before they won the tournament for the first time.
Pele’s record cannot be broken at this tournament because there is not a player younger than that age included in any of the squads.
World Cup all-time appearance holders
As one would expect, Messi features again. The Argentina star has made 26 appearances in the World Cup, the most of any player in history.
Great rival Cristiano Ronaldo could theoretically overtake him this summer. The Portugal captain has appeared in 22 World Cup games thus far.
Read more:
What Cristiano Ronaldo has already said about winning the FIFA World Cup
The records Lionel Messi can break at World Cup 2026 this month
Why the 2026 FIFA World Cup opening ceremony won’t be held in the US
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