Who holds the all-time World Cup assist record?
Messi and Maradona are still tied at the top with eight World Cup assists each, per Opta Analyst. Messi needs just one more assist during Argentina’s remaining 2026 matches to break the tie outright.
The two reached the same total in very different ways. Messi built his tally across six World Cup tournaments since 2006, while Maradona needed just 21 matches over four tournaments.
Messi is the only player ever to register an assist in five different World Cups before 2026, a record rooted in his longevity as much as his vision. His single best haul remains the three assists he laid on during Argentina’s title run in 2022.
Maradona was more explosive in bursts. He set up five goals at the 1986 World Cup alone, including all three in Argentina’s 3-1 win over South Korea and the decisive pass to Jorge Burruchaga in the final against West Germany.
The full all-time World Cup assist leaderboard
Behind the two Argentines, the list is dominated by Germany and a handful of other legends. The full ranking since 1966, according to Opta Analyst, is:
| Assists | Player(s) |
|---|---|
| 8 | Lionel Messi (Argentina), Diego Maradona (Argentina) |
| 7 | Pierre Littbarski (Germany), Grzegorz Lato (Poland) |
| 6 | Ivan Perišić (Croatia), David Beckham (England), Pelé (Brazil), Thomas Häßler (Germany), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Thomas Müller (Germany), Uwe Seeler (Germany), Francesco Totti (Italy) |
| 5 | Zico (Brazil), Antoine Griezmann (France), Gerd Müller (Germany), Michael Ballack (Germany), Juan Sebastián Verón (Argentina), Juan Cuadrado (Colombia), Robert Gadocha (Poland) |
Pelé is a notable name on six. He recorded all six of his World Cup assists in a single tournament: Brazil’s 1970 triumph in Mexico.
Ivan Perišić moved into the six-assist tier during the 2026 group stage, and remains the only player on this list still active at the tournament. Antoine Griezmann retired from international football in 2024, and Juan Cuadrado was left out of Colombia’s 2026 squad.
How about in 2026? Keep track of who’s making the most assists at the 2026 World Cup with our live tracker, currently led by France’s Michael Olise on five.
Why the record is harder to pin down than goals
The biggest caveat: FIFA did not officially track assists for decades, so any “all-time” list depends on who is counting and from when. Opta retroactively reviewed footage of every match back to 1966 to build a consistent record, which is why its list starts at that tournament.
Earlier World Cups (1930–1962) are excluded because the data cannot be verified to the same standard. Some informal tallies credit West Germany’s Fritz Walter with nine assists in the 1950s, but those numbers predate the verified Opta era and are not directly comparable.
When comparing records, check which source and which start year a list uses. The eight-assist mark for Messi and Maradona is the figure used by both Opta Analyst and ESPN.
Following the 2026 World Cup as a traveller
The 2026 World Cup is spread across 16 host cities in three countries, and the knockout rounds are now underway, so planning travel early matters. The action runs through major hubs including New York, Los Angeles, Miami, Dallas, Mexico City and Toronto.
For travellers from the Gulf and South Asia, carriers such as Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad Airways offer one-stop connections to most North American host cities.
If the final is your target, you will be flying into the New York area. Start with flights to New York and book accommodation early, as demand around 19 July will be intense.
Compare options and watch live schedules on the Wego flight tracker, and search hotels in New York well ahead of the knockout rounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has the most assists in World Cup history?
Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona are tied with eight assists each, both for Argentina. The figure is based on Opta’s verified data since the 1966 finals.
Has anyone recorded more than eight World Cup assists?
Not in the verified era since 1966. Some informal counts cite higher totals from the 1950s, but those predate reliable tracking and are not directly comparable.
Could Messi break the record at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. He is still tied with Maradona heading into the knockout rounds, and one more assist in Argentina’s remaining matches would give him the outright all-time record.
Why doesn’t the list include World Cups before 1966?
Assists were not officially recorded for early tournaments. Opta reviewed footage back to 1966 to create a consistent record, so earlier editions are excluded.
Sources
- Opta Analyst — Most Assists at the World Cup (since 1966)
- ESPN — Who has the most assists in the FIFA World Cup?
- Planet Football — World Cup 2026: All-Time Assist Makers as Messi Nears Record
- FIFA — Argentina 3-0 Algeria: match report and highlights
- ESPN — Lionel Messi at the World Cup: History, Results, Stats
- FIFA — New York New Jersey to host the World Cup 2026 final
- Al Jazeera — Antoine Griezmann quits international football
- UEFA — Croatia at the World Cup 2026: squad and fixtures
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
