World Cup 2026: Who has the most wins, goals and minutes played?

As the 2026 World Cup begins, the tournament expands to 48 teams, setting the stage for new records in goals and appearances. The article reviews historical leaders like Brazil, Miroslav Klose, and Lionel Messi.
Why it matters
The expansion of the World Cup represents a major shift in the scale of global sporting events and provides context for the legacy of legendary players.
By Jonty Colman BBC Sport journalist Published 4 June 2026 The 2026 World Cup held across the United States, Canada and Mexico is already a record-breaking tournament.
The article is a factual summary of historical sports statistics and tournament logistics.
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