The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already making history with a series of unprecedented achievements. For the first time, the tournament is being contested by 48 national teams, creating a larger and more competitive global football spectacle.
After 17 days of action and 72 matches, the group stage has officially concluded. From record-breaking attendance figures to remarkable individual performances and unique milestones, the tournament has already secured its place in World Cup history.
Largest Group Stage in World Cup History
The expansion to 48 teams has resulted in the biggest group stage ever seen at a FIFA World Cup. A total of 72 matches were played during the opening phase of the competition, compared to 48 matches in previous editions featuring 32 teams.
The expanded format also extended the duration of the group stage to 17 days, significantly longer than the 12 to 13 days typically required in earlier tournaments.
Record-Breaking Crowd Attendance
The 2026 World Cup has set a new benchmark for fan attendance during the group stage. The previous record was established at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, where 3,587,538 spectators attended group-stage matches.
This year, attendance surpassed that mark, with 3,605,357 fans filling stadiums across the host nations during the opening phase of the tournament.
Azteca Stadium Makes History Again
Mexico City’s iconic Azteca Stadium has further strengthened its legendary status in world football. Having previously hosted opening matches in 1970 and 1986, the stadium once again staged the World Cup opener in 2026.
As a result, Azteca became the first and only stadium in FIFA World Cup history to host three opening matches across different editions of the tournament.
Unprecedented Red Cards in Opening Match
The opening match between Mexico and South Africa produced an unusual record. For the first time in World Cup history, three players were sent off in an opening game.
South Africa’s Sphephelo Sithole and Themba Joane, along with Mexico defender César Montes, received red cards during the contest.
Messi Becomes World Cup’s All-Time Leading Scorer
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi continued his remarkable World Cup journey in his sixth appearance at the tournament.
A goal against Austria allowed Messi to move past Miroslav Klose as the competition’s all-time leading scorer. He later added more goals to further extend his record.
Oldest Player to Score a World Cup Hat-Trick
Messi added another milestone by scoring a hat-trick against Algeria. At 38 years and 357 days old, he became the oldest player ever to record a World Cup hat-trick.
The achievement surpassed the previous record set by Cristiano Ronaldo during the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Most World Cup Victories
Messi also claimed the record for the most victories in World Cup history. His win over Austria moved him ahead of Miroslav Klose, while another victory against Jordan increased his total number of World Cup wins to 19.
Ronaldo Reaches a Unique Scoring Milestone
Portuguese legend Cristiano Ronaldo etched his name into the record books once again. By scoring twice against Uzbekistan, he became the first player in World Cup history to score in six different tournament editions.
The feat further cemented his status as one of football’s most enduring stars.
Oldest Coach in World Cup History
Curacao head coach Dick Advocaat also entered the history books. At 78 years old, he became the oldest coach ever to manage a team from the World Cup touchline.
Goalkeeper Sets Save Record
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room delivered one of the tournament’s most memorable individual performances against Ecuador.
He recorded 15 saves within regular 90-minute play, setting a new World Cup record for the most saves in a match excluding extra time.
Messi’s Seven-Match Scoring Streak
Messi continued rewriting the record books by scoring from a free-kick against Jordan. The goal marked his seventh consecutive World Cup match with a goal, establishing a new tournament record.
The previous mark of six straight scoring appearances was jointly held by French forward Just Fontaine and Brazilian legend Jairzinho. Messi now stands alone at the top of this prestigious list.
With the knockout stage approaching, the 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered a remarkable collection of records and memorable moments, setting the stage for even more history to be made in the weeks ahead.
