The FIFA World Cup 2026 is proving to be a tournament unlike any before it. With the expanded 48-team format delivering more matches and a steady stream of goals, the competition has already broken the record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup, even before the knockout rounds begin. At the same time, football's biggest stars have continued to script history, with Lionel Messi becoming the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer and Kylian Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo adding further milestones to their legendary careers.
Messi extends his World Cup legacy
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has become the leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The 39-year-old has taken his tally to 18 goals, moving ahead of Germany legend Miroslav Klose, who previously held the record with 16.
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Messi has also enjoyed an outstanding campaign in the United States, Canada and Mexico, scoring five goals so far to lead the race for the Golden Boot.
NEW RECORD ⚽ The 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup has officially become the most-attended World Cup in history --> https://t.co/3P8gMXVE4q pic.twitter.com/s0I1YUgEnB
— FOX SA (@KABBFOX29) June 26, 2026
France forward Kylian Mbappe is close behind on the all-time list with 16 World Cup goals. Norway striker Erling Haaland has also enjoyed an impressive tournament, while Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo has added to his tally during his record sixth World Cup appearance.
Record-breaking tournament continues
The 2026 World Cup has already surpassed the previous record of 172 goals, which was set during the 2022 tournament in Qatar. The increase has been driven by the new 48-team format, which has expanded the competition to 104 matches.
With the Round of 32 and the rest of the knockout stages still to be played, the total number of goals is expected to rise significantly.
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The race for the Golden Boot also remains wide open. Messi currently leads the scoring charts, but Mbappe, Haaland and several other top forwards remain in contention as their teams chase World Cup glory.
The combination of more matches, attacking football and standout performances from the world's biggest stars has made the 2026 FIFA World Cup one of the most entertaining editions in the tournament's history. It has already broken the scoring record and could set several more milestones before the champion is crowned.
