World Cup 2026 features the most teams of any World Cup in history: 48 sides compete. That means there are 104 matches, and more opportunities for the world’s best strikers to score. Three greats have a chance to finish the tournament with the all-time record for World Cup goals.
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Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi started World Cup 2026 in the way that many fans predicted: by swatting aside Algeria, scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 win. That took him to 16 World Cup goals and level with the record-holder, Germany’s Miroslav Klose.
It was Messi’s 61st career hat-trick. The third goal was the game’s most special moment, as Messi curved a low finish into the corner. It was a trademark Messi goal – one of many. Messi was subbed off to a standing ovation. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who led the country to the World Cup trophy in 2022, described Messi as “incredible”. Like many who have witnessed Messi, Scaloni said he was at a loss for words.
Kylian Mbappe
Kylian Mbappe broke France’s all-time scoring record against Senegal, notching his 57th and 58th international goals. That double put him ahead of Olivier Giroud at the top of France’s chart. Mbappe had already climbed above greats like Michel Platini (41), Antoine Griezmann (44), and Thierry Henry (51).
There were doubts about Mbappe’s form going into the tournament. France coach Didier Deschamps said the player had told him he was saving his best for the World Cup. It appears he was right. Mbappe’s opening salvo took him to 14 goals at World Cups – only two behind joint-record holders Klose and Messi.
Harry Kane
England’s Harry Kane also got off to a flying start, as long as you don’t count the missed penalty against Croatia, which was retaken after replays showed that goalkeeper Dominik Livakovic came off his line before the strike, and there was encroachment from defender Josko Gvardiol. Kane scored the retake, then notched his second with a header from Declan Rice’s corner, helping England onto a 4-2 win. Judging by FIFA’s Power Rankings, Kane was the game’s best player in the Attacking category, with an 8.29 score.
Kane credited coach Thomas Tuchel with inspiring the team at half-time. He said if England were to lose, they would lose in their own way. England played more positively in the second half – they “went full gas”, in Kane’s words. The striker and captain’s double put him on 10 World Cup goals.
Following Messi, Mbappe, and Kane’s opening matches, the three attackers were joint favorites to finish top goalscorer at World Cup 2026, according to the Puntit odds.
Who will finish as the all-time record scorer at World Cups?
Messi may be the most motivated. He has repeatedly defied expectations but approaching 40 this will almost certainly be Messi’s last World Cup (although people wondered about that during the last tournament). Mbappe will have motivation of his own, after losing to Messi and Argentina four years ago, despite scoring a hat-trick in the final (plus his penalty in the shootout). Kane will have to be at his best to overcome the difference in tallies.
