The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing and has offered football fans everything: thrills, excitement, cards and goals. In this article, we will share our observations from the tournament taking place in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Lionel Messi and the World Cup
Eight-time World Player of the Year Lionel Messi has left his mark on the World Cup. The Argentine has set several records during the tournament that will remain with him for a long time.
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Most goals in the World Cup
Lionel Messi has now scored 19 goals in the World Cup, making him the all-time leading scorer. As a reminder, the previous record was held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose (16).
Most appearances at the World Cup
Lionel Messi is also the player who has played the most games at the World Cup. The Argentine has now played in 29 matches. The next three men in that ranking are German Lothar Matthäus (25), Portuguese Cristiano Ronaldo (24) and German Miroslav Klose (24).
Most minutes at the World Cup
Considering that Lionel Messi is the player who has played the most games at the World Cup, it is logical that he is also the footballer who has spent the most minutes on the pitch at the World Cup. Messi currently has 2515 minutes. The next three in the ranking are: Italian Paolo Maldini (2217), German Lothar Matthäus (2047), German Manuel Neuer (2040).
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Cristiano Ronaldo and the World Cup
The first footballer to score a goal at 6 World Cups
Although Cristiano Ronaldo does not have that many records, he still has a record that is almost impossible to beat. The Portuguese has scored a goal at six World Cups now – 2006, 2010, 2014, 2018, 2022 and 2026.
Lionel Messi is not on the same level as Ronaldo, because the Argentinean failed to score in 2010. And this record will probably remain in Ronaldo’s name forever, because breaking it would require some footballers to remain at their peak for 24 years, which is unrealistic. For example, Kylian Mbappé could only repeat this record at the 2038 World Cup, when he would be 39 years old.
Oldest player to score two goals in a match
By scoring two goals against Uzbekistan, Cristiano Ronaldo (41 years and 138 days) became the oldest player to score two goals in a World Cup match. The Portuguese holds second place in the one-goal ranking, as Cameroon legend Roger Milla (42 years and 39 days) is ahead of him.
World Cup play-offs: who has a good path to the final?
By now, all play-off pairs are clear and the teams know who they would have to beat to continue in the tournament.
Thus, defending champion Argentina, for example, can be satisfied with the play-off tree, which would only meet its first “big” opponent in the semi-finals, if it were to potentially face Brazil or England.
The fans of Germany and France, as well as the supporters of Spain and Portugal, who are expected to face each other in the round of 16, will probably be the ones to be more anxious.
Who will win the Golden Boot?
The three most valuable awards at the World Cup are the Golden Ball (best player), the Golden Glove (best goalkeeper) and the Golden Boot (best goalscorer).
While the first two are primarily about the team’s success, individual success is of course also important when it comes to scoring goals. But not only that, because the further the team goes, the more opportunities a player has to score.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings after group stage:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 6 goals
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 4 goals
- Ousmane Dembélé (France) – 4 goals
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 4 goals
- Erling Braut Haaland (Norway) – 4 goals
Considering Argentina’s next potential opponents, Messi is currently in the driving seat. However, football fans should also keep an eye on Mbappé or Harry Kane, who has scored 3 goals. If either of them wins the Golden Boot, they would become the first footballers to win the award twice in their career.
How to bet responsibly during the 2026 World Cup
- Don’t let emotions decide your bets
- Manage your budget consciously
- Avoid making up for losses with new bets
- Watch each game separately and base your analysis on it
- Enjoy the tournament – the most important thing is football
- Use our sports betting app to keep your bets under full control.
The 2026 World Cup is a great opportunity to experience sports betting – more games, more markets, more excitement and countless moments to talk about.
Good strategy, thorough analysis and a responsible approach will make all games an experience to enjoy.
Also, keep an eye on the OlyBet sports betting section, where we will share special offers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which you shouldn’t miss.
FAQ about the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Who is the top scorer of the FIFA World Cup?
Lionel Messi is the top scorer of the FIFA World Cup with 19 goals.
Who is the only footballer to have scored a goal in six FIFA World Cups?
Cristiano Ronaldo is the only footballer to have scored a goal in six FIFA World Cups.
Who can be most satisfied with the play-off tree?
Defending champions Argentina can be most satisfied with the play-off tree.
