Since FIFA World Cup’s inception in 1930, the tournament has brought together the world’s greatest players in a celebration of the beautiful game with astonishing goals.
Prior to FIFA World Cup 2026, Miroslav Klose was the overall scoring leader, but Lionel Messi has now overtaken him in first place after a hat-trick – his first in the World Cup – in Argentina’s opening game against Algeria, before finding the net again twice against Austria.
And the former Germany international now has another active player for company, with Kylian Mbappe continuing his exceptional skill at the global showpiece with his back-to-back braces against Senegal and Iraq giving him 16 goals from only 16 outings.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Goals: 18; World Cups: Six – 2006 (one goal), 2010 (no goals), 2014 (four goals), 2018 (one goal), 2022 (seven goals), 2026 (five goals to date); Matches played: 28
2.Kylian Mbappe (France)
Goals: 16; World Cups: Three – 2018 (four goals), 2022 (eight goals), 2026 (four goals to date); Matches played: 16
3. Miroslav Klose (Germany)
Goals: 16; World Cups: Four – 2002 (five goals), 2006 (five goals), 2010 (four goals), 2014 (two goals); Matches played: 24
4. Ronaldo (Brazil)
Goals: 15; World Cups: Four – 1994 (no goals), 1998 (four goals), 2002 (eight goals), 2006 (three goals); Matches played: 19
5. Gerd Muller (West Germany)
Goals: 14; World Cups: Two – 1970 (10 goals), 1974 (four goals); Matches played: 13
