World Cup in Context: Moments that shaped 96 years of football

The world is looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup. This tournament has grown over decades into the most widely watched sporting event. Over that time, past editions have produced record-breaking moments. These moments are etched in the memory of fans for decades.

Ten decades in the making

The tournament began in 1930, when the first World Cup was held in Uruguay, who went on to win the inaugural title.

From the outset, certain teams have come to define the competition. Brazil, in particular, have been the most successful national team in World Cup history. They lifted five titles in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002. Indeed, they are the only nation to have featured in every edition. Furthermore, they hold the record for the most victories. They have more than 75 wins, according to FIFA.

Brazil’s goalscoring legend Pelé (born Edson Arantes do Nascimento) remains the only player to have won the World Cup three times, in 1958, 1962 and 1970 — a feat still unmatched.

Star performances

In terms of appearances, several players have reached five World Cup tournaments, including Germany’s Lothar Matthäus, Argentina’s Lionel Messi and Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, alongside Mexico’s Antonio Carbajal, Rafael Márquez and Andrés Guardado.

That record could yet be surpassed in 2026. If both Messi and Ronaldo feature again, they would become the first players to appear in six editions of the tournament.

Messi already leads the all-time list for World Cup matches played with 26 appearances, overtaking Matthäus’ record of 25 set between 1982 and 1998.

Germany hold the record for the most World Cup final appearances, reaching the final eight times. They have won four titles and finished runners-up on four occasions, the most final defeats in the tournament’s history.

Goalscoring records are also among the standout achievements of World Cup history. Miroslav Klose is the tournament’s all-time top scorer with 16 goals. He is followed by Brazil’s Ronaldo with 15 and Germany’s Gerd Müller with 14. France’s Just Fontaine and Lionel Messi are level on 13.

Looking ahead to 2026

However, that ranking is not fixed. Messi needs three more goals to equal Klose’s record. The 2026 World Cup will be expanded to 48 teams, offering more matches than previous editions.

These records sit alongside defining moments in the tournament’s history. For example, there was Spain’s first triumph in 2010. There was also Germany’s 7–1 semi-final win over Brazil in 2014. Finally, Argentina’s 2022 victory under Messi came in one of the most dramatic finals ever played. Each edition adds a new chapter.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches — the first to feature 48 teams and be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico — its records are set to be tested again.

Featured image via AFP