Number of Goals Scored a Record in the 2026 World Cup
June 27, 2026 · Global
The 2026 World Cup has become one of the highest-scoring tournaments in history, with 121 goals scored by 88 players in 40 matches. New ball designs, extra time and larger tournament formats are factors in this increase.
GUADALAJARA, Mexico (AP) — The 2026 World Cup has become a tournament with a record high score. With 121 goals scored from 88 players in the first 40 matches, the tournament saw an average of three goals per game. There were only three matches that ended in a 0-0 draw, and eight goals were own goals. The main factor in the increase in the number of goals is the ball design used by FIFA, which is claimed to have optimal flight stability and high speed towards the goal. Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick said the ball was "as fast as a cannonball" and very difficult to stop if shot in the right position. Additionally, longer downtime due to hydration breaks also provides more opportunities to score. The tournament's larger format with 48 teams also creates a larger talent gap. Colombia coach, Néstor Lorenzo, was not surprised by the number of goals scored, considering the quality of the players at this World Cup. According to him, strikers are now better protected by referees than 20 or 30 years ago.
Of the 121 goals scored, more than half came from players competing in the top three professional leagues in England, Germany and Spain, with the English Premier League leading the way. In the match between the Netherlands and Sweden, all six goals were scored by players competing in the Premier League in the 2025-26 season. Lionel Messi from Inter Miami became a star by scoring five goals in two matches. Real Madrid and Liverpool are the clubs that have scored the most goals, with their players contributing significantly. Real Madrid scored seven goals, while Liverpool scored three goals. With the goal pace continuing to increase, the tournament is predicted to surpass the record of 172 goals scored at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, although the comparison is not completely equal as the 2022 edition only has 64 matches. The 2026 World Cup is poised to break the record with nearly 194 goals if the current trend continues.