Norwegian legend Dählie managed to take 46 World Cup victories individually before he put the cross-country skis on the shelf in 2001 - most victories of all on the men's side.
Johannes Hösflot Kläbo stands at 45.
Thus, the big star can break the record if he wins Monday's mass start in the Tour de Ski.
Touring leather
Kläbo - who made his World Cup debut in 2016 - leads the tour after four of six stages and has a chance to take his second overall victory.
He last won 2018-19 and then became the youngest winner ever in the Tour de Ski, 22 years and 76 days old.
The Norwegian's first World Cup victory came on February 18, 2017, when he won the sprint in Otepää.
Since then, he has taken his place as one of the world's foremost cross-country skiers, with three Olympic golds and six World Cup golds in his luggage.
When it comes to most World Cup victories individually through the ages for both ladies and men, Marit Björgen is unthreatened number one with 114 victories.
Therese Johaug is second with 79.
CLIP: Halfvarsson about the Olympic venue: "Tomorrow it will be ready"
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Halfvarsson about the Olympic venue: "Tomorrow it will be clear"