The 2026 World Cup has already broken numerous historical records, largely due to its expanded 48-team format. The group stage saw unprecedented levels of attendance, a higher number of matches played, and a longer competition duration. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have both achieved individual milestones, further cementing their legacies in World Cup history. Specific record details were not provided in the source text, but the overall impact of the expanded tournament and the continued success of these star players are highlighted. This marks a significant shift in the scale and scope of the tournament. The new format is demonstrably influencing key statistics and player achievements.