FIFA World Cup 2026 emerges as highest-scoring WC in last 68 years
New Delhi, June 25
The ongoing edition of the FIFA World Cup has been the highest-scoring World Cup in the last 68 years, with several superstars of the game finding the net.
As per OptaFranz, with a rate of 2.98 goals per match, this World Cup is the highest-scoring in the last 68 years, since the 1958 WC, where the average was 3.6 goals per match.
So far in the tournament, a total of 161 goals have been scored. The all-time record for most goals in a single World Cup is 172 goals in the 2022 edition, which was won by Lionel Messi-led Argentina.
The biggest win of the tournament is Canada's 6-0 win over Qatar.
The leading goal-scorer in the ongoing edition is Argentina's Messi, who has scored five so far. This includes his first-ever FIFA WC hat-trick against Algeria in the campaign opener. The brace in the next clash against Austria made him surpass Germany's Miroslav Klose (16) for most goals in the tournament's history, with 18.
In second place are Brazil's Vinicius Jr, France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland with four goals each.
Germany's Denis Undav, Switzerland's Johan Manzambi, Brazil's Matheus Cunha, Morocco's Ismael Sibari and Canada's Jonathan David (three each) are at the third spot.
Vinicius Jr (one assist) and Undav (two assists) have secured a total of five goal involvements in the ongoing tournament.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As a cricket-loving Indian, I must admit this World Cup is making me watch football more. Vinicius Jr and Mbappe scoring freely is brilliant. But 172 goals record from 2022 still stands - let's see if they can break that too!
Great to see Messi still dominating at his age. His hat-trick against Algeria was pure class. But I wonder if the defending has become weaker, leading to more goals? Either way, exciting football for us fans! 👏
Canada thrashing Qatar 6-0 shows the gap between traditional and emerging teams. India needs more investment in grassroots football if we ever want to compete. But for now, let's enjoy the goals! 🇮🇳⚽
Honestly, while the goals are flowing, I feel some matches lack tactical depth. High scoring is fun, but 0-0 draws also have their beauty. Still, Messi's 18 goals record is something even Pele and Maradona would applaud. Respect! 🙌
As someone who grew up watching Ronaldinho and Zidane, seeing Messi still breaking records is surreal. Haaland and Mbappe with 4 goals each show the new generation is ready. India should take notes on how to produce world-class attackers! 🌟
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