Doha: A total of 215 goals were scored during the group stage of the FIFA World Cup 2026, averaging three per match, setting a new record. This surpasses the 172 goals scored at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
According to Emirates News Agency, France, Germany, and the Netherlands led the scoring charts with 10 goals each. The tournament saw a total of 1,774 shots, averaging 24.6 per match, with Belgium attempting a tournament-high 73 shots. Of the 48 participating nations, only Panama failed to score, while 47 teams found the back of the net. Historically, the competition has now seen 2,935 goals.
Canada's 6-0 victory over Qatar marked the first time a CONCACAF nation scored more than four goals in a World Cup match. Argentina's Lionel Messi made history by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup final tournament matches and became the all-time leading scorer with 19 goals. Kylian Mbapp© of France remains close behind with 16 goals.
Messi also became the oldest player to score a hat-trick in the tournament, at 38 years and 357 days, breaking Ronaldo's previous record. Cristiano Ronaldo, with ten goals, now holds the title of Portugal's top scorer in World Cup history, surpassing Eus©bio's nine goals. Harry Kane, with 11 goals, became England's all-time top scorer, surpassing Gary Lineker.
The USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay marked their first instance of scoring four goals in a World Cup match.