With the 2026 World Cup drawing ever closer – and with matches scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada and Mexico – the conversation is no longer just about the favorite teams: it is also about the historical records that could be set at the next World Cup. One of the most emblematic is that of the top scorer in the history of the tournament, a mark currently held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose, world champion at Brazil 2014 and scorer of 16 World Cup goals.
A few months before the start of the tournament, Lionel Messi, who has 13 World Cup goals, just three short of equaling the historic German striker’s tally, is the most popular name to chase that record. Another direct contender is Kylian Mbappé, who has 12 goals and is also in a position to reach or even surpass Klose’s mark in the short term.
Klose admits it: Messi and Mbappé are one step away from the record
Klose himself is not hiding: he admits that his record is in real danger.
In an interview with Sport Bild, the former striker was straightforward in analyzing what could happen at the 2026 World Cup:
He assured that his mark will “soon” be surpassed, either by Messi in this edition or by Mbappé at the next opportunity.
Klose also explained a point that makes all the difference in modern soccer today: penalties.
According to his analysis, both Messi and Mbappé tend to be official penalty takers, something he did not have during his years with the national team.
That circumstance, in tournaments as short as a World Cup, can tip the scales and quickly increase the goal tally of any elite striker.
World Cup 2026 in USA: record could fall at home
Klose admits his record is truly at risk
QuéOnnda.com
Although the goal record is the main focus, Klose also recalled that he holds other historic records at the tournament:
He is considered the holder of the highest number of World Cup victories and the only player to have played in four World Cup semifinals.
Data that reinforce its weight in the history of the competition.
For the Hispanic reader living in the United States, the topic has a special ingredient:
The 2026 World Cup will be played on home soil, which means more access, more coverage and the possibility of watching a historic feat live.
If Messi is fit and Argentina advances, every goal could bring him closer to the record.
And if Mbappé maintains his level, France could also feed that scenario.
For more information, visit QuéOnnda.com.
