World Cup 2026 · Records

Players & records

Stars to watch, historical records, and the stories behind the numbers.

View teams → Read the full USA squad article

Stars to watch

The players driving search interest and shaping the tournament narrative.

Christian Pulisic

Forward / Captain · United States

USMNT captain and key attacking threat for the host nation.

Gio Reyna

Attacking Midfielder · United States

Creative playmaker with the ability to unlock defenses.

Erling Haaland

Striker · Norway

One of the most prolific goal scorers in world football. Leading Norway back to the finals for the first time since 1998.

Kylian Mbappé

Forward · France

Real Madrid star and 2022 Golden Boot winner. Has 14 World Cup goals and is closing in on the all-time scoring record.

Lionel Messi

Forward · Argentina

Defending World Cup champion. Record sixth World Cup, tied with Cristiano Ronaldo and Guillermo Ochoa. Now joint all-time top scorer with 16 World Cup goals.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Forward · Portugal

First man to play in six World Cups alongside Messi and Ochoa. The only player to score in five different editions.

Golden Boot watch

The attackers most likely to lead the scoring charts in 2026.

Kylian Mbappé France

Harry Kane England

Erling Haaland Norway

Lionel Messi Argentina

Lamine Yamal Spain

Cristiano Ronaldo Portugal

All-time records

The numbers that define World Cup history.

Most goals

Player	Country	Goals
Miroslav Klose	Germany	16
Lionel Messi	Argentina	16
Ronaldo	Brazil	15
Gerd Müller	Germany	14
Kylian Mbappé	France	14
Just Fontaine	France	13

Most appearances

Player	Country	Appearances
Lionel Messi	Argentina	27
Lothar Matthäus	Germany	25
Miroslav Klose	Germany	24
Paolo Maldini	Italy	23
Cristiano Ronaldo	Portugal	22

Most tournaments played

Player	Country	Tournaments
Lothar Matthäus	Germany	5
Antonio Carbajal	Mexico	5
Rafael Márquez	Mexico	5
Lionel Messi	Argentina	5
Gianluigi Buffon	Italy	5