FIFA World Cup 2026: A look at top 5 longest range goals of tournament
New Delhi, June 29
The group stage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup witnessed some stunning goals, be it from legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo or the modern-day superstars like Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal, with some legends also showing that one does not always need to push through defenders to ensure the ball reaches the back of the net.
Every sport has its own beauty. The high intensity, lightning-fast pace of races and the massive throwing records by athletics give the fans their dose of thrill. In cricket, perhaps nothing is as perfect as a straight-out-of-textbook straight/cover.
Just like that in football, the goals coming from a long distance get the crowds going wild, screaming and blowing their vuvuzelas.
Here are the top five long-distance goals in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, which is using Adidas' Trionda as its official match-ball:
-31.23 m by Kevin Pina (Cape Verde)
After Cape Verde held world number 2, Euro Champions Spain to a goalless draw, it was a sensational Kevin Pina strike from 31.23 m in the 21st minute of their second group stage match against Uruguay, which marked their first-ever World Cup goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw. Cape Verde has made it to the round of 32.
-29.17 m by Anthony Elanga (Sweden)
Sweden, another round of 32 entrant, got the points needed to book a knockout slot with a 62nd-minute stunner by the Newcastle United forward, levelling the scores minutes after Daizen Maeda had given Japan a lead in the 56th minute.
-27.06 m by Kylian Mbappe (France)
The French skipper fired a brace against Senegal in his side's 3-1 win and is in the race for the Golden Boot with four goals. His second goal in the stoppage time was indeed "a goal for the world" as described by the commentator.
-27.04 m by Petar Sucic (Croatia)
In his side's final league stage game, the 22-year-old Inter Milan striker delivered a strike that put Croatia in the lead, eventually helping them win 2-1. He also became the second-youngest goal-scorer for his country.
-25.39 m by William Isidor (Haiti)
The Haitian and Sunderland striker Isidor fired a 25.39 m strike to level the scores in his side's clash against Morocco. Haiti would go on to lose the match, but his goal stays one of the best in the tournament.
It also found a place in the compilation of FIFA WC's "Goal of the Tournament", posted on its official Instagram.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mbappe's goal against Senegal was pure class. The way he just struck it from 27 meters - no hesitation, pure power. He's definitely going to be the face of football for the next decade. Hope India can learn from these attacking styles!
I'm surprised Haaland isn't in this list! The guy scores rockets every other game. Anyway, great compilation. That Petar Sucic goal for Croatia reminded me of Modric's prime - so clean and precise. Football is really thriving everywhere now!
As a neutral fan from the US, I love how this World Cup is showcasing talent from unexpected places. Cape Verde's first-ever World Cup goal being a 31-meter screamer is just poetic. These long-range strikes are what make football magical.
Is it just me or is the Adidas Trionda ball really helping these long shots? The way the ball swerved for Elanga's goal was crazy. Also, nice to see South Asian football fans getting excited - we need more coverage like this in Indian media! ⚽
These distances are impressive but let's be honest - defending has been poor in this World Cup. Too many players backing off and giving attackers time to shoot. Mbappe gets that chance because Senegal's midfield had a brain freeze. Still exciting though!
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