TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - By mid-July, football will reach the pinnacle of international competition as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws to a close. Yet before the final whistle is blown, it is worth looking back at the players who have left a lasting mark on the tournament, including the all-time leaders for the most assists in World Cup history.
Set against the roar of passionate crowds, Lionel Messi and Diego Maradona, both from Argentina, share the top position with eight assists each. Messi recorded his most recent World Cup assist during the 2022 tournament, setting up Julián Álvarez's goal against Croatia in the semifinals. The victory helped Argentina lift the World Cup trophy before Messi was awarded the Golden Ball as the tournament's best player. Notably, he currently leads the 2026 World Cup as the top scorer.
While Messi compiled his tally over 26 World Cup matches spanning five tournaments, Maradona reached the same mark in just 21 appearances across four tournaments. According to ESPN, the late Argentine legend registered his final World Cup assist for Claudio Caniggia in 1994, securing a 2-1 victory over Nigeria.
List of All-Time Players with the Most Assists in World Cup History
Lionel Messi (Argentina), Diego Maradona (Argentina) – 8 Assists
Pierre Littbarski (Germany), Grzegorz Lato (Poland) – 7 Assists
Ivan Perisic (Croatia), David Beckham (England), Pelé (Brazil), Thomas Häßler (Germany), Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany), Thomas Müller (Germany), Uwe Seeler (Germany), Francesco Totti (Italy) – 6 Assists
Zico (Brazil), Antoine Griezmann (France), Gerd Müller (Germany), Michael Ballack (Germany), Juan Sebastián Verón (Argentina), Juan Cuadrado (Colombia), Robert Gadocha (Poland), Michael Olise (France) – 5 Assists
Their long-standing record for the most assists in World Cup history now carries into the ongoing 2026 tournament. With the competition running until July 19 across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, this summer offers yet another opportunity for today's stars to equal or even surpass the historic milestone and rewrite football history.
Read: 10 Fastest Football Players in the 2026 World Cup: Top Speed Ranked
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Golden Boot 2026: Race for World Cup Top Scorer
41 menit lalu
With the tournament now in its knockout stage, football fans are eagerly anticipating who will claim the 2026 Golden Boot.
Cristiano Ronaldo Makes World Cup History as Oldest Knockout Goalscorer
48 menit lalu
Cristiano Ronaldo became the oldest player to score in a World Cup knockout match as Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in the 2026 Round of 32.
Every FIFA World Cup Host Country in History: Full List
1 jam lalu
Mexico has hosted the FIFA World Cup more than any other nation, having staged the tournament three times-in 1970, 1986, and 2026.
2026 World Cup: Portugal Seal Dramatic Win Over Croatia in Round of 32
4 jam lalu
The Portugal vs Croatia match ended dramatically in injury time with three VAR decisions in the 2026 World Cup round of 32.
2026 World Cup Preview: Defending Champions Argentina Take on Debutants Cape Verde
5 jam lalu
Argentina advances to the round of 32 with a perfect record in the 2026 World Cup, while Cape Verde remains unbeaten as a debutant.
2026 World Cup: Spain Cruises Into Round of 16 With 3-0 Rout of Austria
5 jam lalu
Spain faced Austria in the 2026 World Cup round of 32 at the Los Angeles Stadium.
Does Football Need FIFA and Its World Cup?
13 jam lalu
While the popularity of the World Cup continues to grow, organizers FIFA have arguably never been less popular. So why does football still need FIFA?
10 Fastest Football Players in the 2026 World Cup: Top Speed Ranked
16 jam lalu
According to FIFA early reports, these fastest football players in the 2026 World Cup have set themselves apart with blistering pace.
2026 World Cup Preview: Switzerland vs Algeria, Yakin and Petkovic in a Tactical Duel
21 jam lalu
Switzerland will face Algeria in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, Canada.
Lionel Messi Teams Up With 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' Promo
22 jam lalu
Peter Parker teams up with Lionel Messi in a 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' commercial that gains thousands of views within hours.
:strip_icc():format(jpeg)/kly-media-production/medias/5414491/original/012054700_1763287155-530668458_18471777553074306_380593477510268437_n__1_.jpg)
:strip_icc():format(jpeg):watermark(kly-media-production/assets/images/watermarks/bola/watermark-color-landscape-new.png,1125,20,0)/kly-media-production/medias/6007179/original/011565500_1778899711-20260512BL_Portrait_John_Herdman_24.jpg)
