What other records could realistically be broken at this World Cup?

As the World Cup knockout stages gather pace, the dream of lifting the World Cup trophy may not be the only thing on some players’ minds this summer.

Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé have already eclipsed Miroslav Klose’s record for the most goals scored in World Cup tournaments, but several other long-standing milestones could also be broken before the end of the tournament…

The most assists at a World Cup

Since Opta started tracking data in 1966, no player has ever managed more than Pele’s six assists at a single World Cup.

The Brazilian set that record in 1970, but 56 years later it could be Michael Olise’s time to take the record.

In just four games so far the Frenchman has already managed five assists, so with the possibility of four more games, Olise looks very likely to break the record.

Most World Cup matches managed

Already at this tournament Didier Deschamps has broken the record for most matches won as manager at the World Cup. France’s win against Sweden was his 18th victory at World Cups, more than Helmut Schon’s record of 16.

However, Deschamps’ pursuit of Schon’s achievements does not end there. Schon took charge of Germany 25 times in total at World Cups. The France manager is currently on 23 so far and with the possibility of four more games to play, he could overtake Schon.

Most goals in one tournament

Just Fontaine’s 1958 record of 13 goals in one World Cup has looked unattainable for so many years, but with the rate of scoring this summer, this could be broken.

Lionel Messi has already scored six goals in just three games so far, while Mbappe also has six after four games.

Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are also level on five after four games. With the possibility of five more games for Messi and four more for the other three, that record has never looked more within reach.

Most major tournament titles in a row

It is no secret that Argentina have been dominating international football of late, but they could be set to do something no other international team has ever done if they win this year’s World Cup.

After winning the Copa America in 2021, the World Cup in 2022, and Copa America again in 2024 they are at three in a row.

The Spanish team between 2008 and 2012 matched that feat by winning two European Championshipss and one World Cup, but were unable to lift the trophy again in 2014. If Lionel Scaloni can lead his team to victory this summer he would surpass that record.