Several participants at the 2026 World Cup are chasing historic records. The oldest coach record is held by Otto Rehhagel at 71, but Czech Republic's Miroslav Koubek, who will be 74 during the finals, could surpass him. The oldest knockout-phase scorer record belongs to Pepe at 39, with Cristiano Ronaldo at 41, Luka Modric at 40, and Edin Dzeko at 40 all in pursuit.
Most appearances as coach is held by Helmut Schon with 25, but France's Didier Deschamps at 19 could equal or break it by guiding France deep into the tournament. The youngest Golden Ball winner record belongs to Ronaldo at 21, with talents like Desire Doue, Nico Paz, and Lamine Yamal aiming to outrank him.
Most World Cup victories belongs to Miroslav Klose with 17, but Lionel Messi, currently at 16, could reclaim the record for South America in the group stage. Most World Cup goals is held by Klose with 16, with Messi at 13 needing to score four to equal the record.
