The 2026 FIFA World Cup may have come and gone, but the beautiful memories and historic moments it heralded will stay with football lovers forever. Spain undoubtedly had a splendid and fabulous outing, crowning it with a well-deserved victory that saw them win the tournament for the second time. However, the global football showpiece was also a moment of personal accomplishment and honour for many players and coaches who took part in it.
At least eight players and two coaches etched their names in the record books of the tournament with historic individual feats that stood them out among their peers who took part in the tournament.
From Lionel Messi, who made history as the player with the most wins, to Kylian Mbappe becoming the competition’s all-time leading scorer, while Didier Deschamps and Dick Advocaat also set coaching milestones, the tournament produced some of the most tremendous feats in World Cup history.
Didier Deschamps – The indefatigable gaffer
The France boss surpassed Germany’s Helmut Schön to become the coach with the most World Cup appearances (26). He also broke the record for the most World Cup victories by a coach.
Dick Advocaat – The old war horse
At 78 years, 271 days, Advocaat became the oldest coach to take charge of a World Cup match; the Curaçao manager overtook Ghana’s Carlos Queiroz and Greece’s Otto Rehhagel in the tournament’s all-time rankings.
Jude Bellingham & Harry Kane – The deadly duo
With their brilliant and fantastic display in the tournament, which saw them help their country clinch the bronze medal, the England duo became the first teammates in World Cup history to each score six goals in a single edition. France’s Ousmane Dembélé and Kylian Mbappé later equalled the feat.
Lionel Messi – The pacesetter
The exceptional Argentina captain and talisman continued his impressive and remarkable outing from four years ago when he led his nation to glory and won the tournament in this year’s edition. He broke three major records at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He became the player with the most World Cup victories (23), exceeding Germany legend Miroslav Klose. Messi also broke the record for the most consecutive World Cup appearances with a goal (9), eclipsing the previous mark of six shared by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.
Messi also became the player with the most goals scored from outside the penalty area (7) in World Cup history, overtaking Brazil great Rivellino.
Johan Manzambi – The super sub
At just 20 years and 247 days old, the talented Switzerland forward became the youngest substitute to score a brace in a World Cup match after netting twice against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Cristiano Ronaldo – The gift that kept giving
The Portugal captain became the first player in history to score in six separate FIFA World Cups, adding another landmark to his fascinating and illustrious international career.
Rodri – The midfield maestro
The Spain midfielder completed 790 passes during the tournament, breaking his own record of 638 set at Qatar 2022.
Kylian Mbappe – The goal machine
With ten goals in the tournament, the France captain edged out Lionel Messi to become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer, finishing the tournament with 22 goals in just 22 appearances.
Michael Olise – The assist king
The France playmaker had seven assists during the tournament, breaking Pelé’s long-standing record of six set at the 1970 World Cup.
Unai Simón – The formidable man in goal
The Spain goalkeeper kept seven clean sheets in eight matches, setting a new tournament record and helping Spain concede just one goal en route to the title.
Eloy Room – Most saves in a World Cup match (16)
With sixteen saves against Ecuador, the Curaçao goalkeeper matched the record for most saves in a World Cup game, matching Tim Howard’s mark but doing so in 30 fewer minutes. Room came to the World Cup with a club.
