The group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup ended after 72 matches over 17 days, producing several new records on and off the field.
This year's tournament is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams. The expanded format increased the number of group-stage matches from 48 to 72.
Biggest group stage
A record 48 teams competed in this year's World Cup. As a result, the group stage featured 72 matches, compared with 48 in the previous 32-team format.
Record attendance
The tournament also set a new attendance record. A total of 3,650,357 fans attended the 72 group-stage matches, surpassing the previous record of 3,587,538 set at the 1994 World Cup in the United States.
Azteca hosts third opening match
Mexico City's Azteca Stadium became the first venue in World Cup history to host three opening matches, having previously staged the tournament openers in 1970 and 1986.
Three red cards in opening match
The opening match between Mexico and South Africa saw three players sent off, a first in World Cup history. South Africa's Spefelo Sithole and Themba Joanne, and Mexico's Cesar Montes received red cards.
Messi becomes all-time top scorer
Lionel Messi overtook Miroslav Klose to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with his goal against Austria. He later added more goals to extend the record.
Oldest player to score a hat-trick
Messi became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick after netting three goals against Algeria at the age of 38 years and 357 days. He broke Cristiano Ronaldo's previous record set in 2018.
Most World Cup wins
Messi also became the player with the most World Cup victories. He surpassed Miroslav Klose with the win over Austria and later increased his total to 19 after Argentina defeated Jordan.
Ronaldo scores in six World Cups
Cristiano Ronaldo became the first footballer to score in six different World Cup tournaments after netting twice against Uzbekistan.
Oldest coach
Curacao coach Dick Advocaat became the oldest head coach in World Cup history at the age of 78.
Most saves in 90 minutes
Curacao goalkeeper Eloy Room made 15 saves against Ecuador, the most by a goalkeeper in a 90-minute World Cup match, excluding extra time.
Messi scores in seven straight matches
Messi scored from a free-kick against Jordan to become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. He broke the previous record of six, jointly held by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho.
Bd-pratidin English/ Jisan
