Argentina captain Lionel Messi has already broken the all-time World Cup record for assists in the 2026 tournament, and another milestone could soon come under threat from France star Michael Olise.

The Bayern Munich attacker has registered five assists at the 2026 World Cup, leaving him just one shy of equaling the all-time record of six in a single tournament, set by Brazilian legend Pelé in 1970.

Olise closes in on World Cup history

Before France’s semifinal against Spain, Olise is tied for second with Poland’s Robert Gadocha (1974), German duo Pierre Littbarski (1982) and Thomas Häßler (1994), and the legendary Diego Maradona (1986), all of whom recorded five assists in a single World Cup.

One more assist in the semifinal and a potential final would draw Olise level with Pelé. Two more would see him claim the record outright.

Kylian Mbappé, Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon have also recorded three assists and could still challenge the single-tournament mark, although they appear much less likely to do so.

A surprising assist drought

Olise, though, is on something of an assist drought despite leading the 2026 standings. The last of the Frenchman’s five assists came in the round-of-32 victory over Sweden on June 30. He has failed to register one in either of France’s last two games against Paraguay and Morocco.

The former Crystal Palace player recorded two assists against Sweden, matching the feat he had already achieved against Iraq in France’s second group-stage game. His first assist of the tournament came in the opening match against Senegal.

So far, Mbappé has been the main beneficiary, scoring three goals from Olise’s assists. Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola have each converted one of his passes.

Pelé still has one important advantage

Regardless of what happens, Olise has benefited from playing in an expanded tournament.

Pelé recorded four goals and six assists in six games at the 1970 World Cup, the same number of matches Olise has already played this summer. If France reach the final and Olise remains fit, he will have two additional games to try to break the Brazilian icon’s long-standing record.

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