Most goals in a single World Cup: Messi and Mbappé chase another record
Just Fontaine’s record of 13 goals in one World Cup has stood since 1958. Could Messi, Mbappe or Haaland finally break it in 2026?
Just Fontaine’s record for the most goals in a single World Cup has stood for nearly seven decades, but the 2026 tournament could finally see a new heir to that throne based on the starts made by some of the goalscoring heavyweights.
Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland are among the leading contenders in the World Cup Golden Boot race, with all three stars getting off to blistering starts to the tournament. As the knockout stages approach, and in the form that they are in, they may not solely be aiming to be the top scorer of this World Cup, but of all previous tournaments.
After scoring his 18th goal at a World Cup, against Austria, Messi has already overtaken Miroslav Klose in the all-time World Cup top scorer list, and Mbappé has moved level with the German (16).
Now, the record for most goals in a single tournament is in the sights of some of the modern greats.
What is the highest number of goals scored in a single World Cup?
The highest number of goals scored in one World Cup is 13, a record set by France striker Just Fontaine at the 1958 tournament in Sweden.
Fontaine achieved the feat in just six matches, averaging more than two goals per game, and no player has managed to surpass his tally since.
His tally has survived challenges from some of football’s greatest names, including Gerd Müller and Ronaldo Nazário, but nobody has yet managed to reach double figures since 1970.
However, due to both the relentless levels that modern players are reaching, combined with the expanded 48-team World Cup format that will give some players eight matches in total if they reach the semi-finals, the 2026 tournament may offer the best opportunity in generations for the record to fall.
Most goals in a single World Cup
World Cup top scorers in 2026
The race for the Golden Boot is heating up, with several of the game’s biggest stars among the leading scorers. The most clinical players in world football have all shown up and look eager to break individual records en route to guiding their countries to collective success. The likes of Harry Kane, Messi, Haaland and Mbappé all have their shooting boots with them in North America, sparking a fascinating battle for the Golden Boot.
Messi’s brace against Austria moved the Argentina captain to the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring charts, while Mbappé responded with two goals of his own later in the day against Iraq. Haaland has also made a strong start with back-to-back braces in his opening two games against and remains firmly in contention.
Who has scored the most World Cup goals of all time?
While Fontaine owns the record for most goals in a single tournament, the all-time World Cup scoring chart has undergone changes during the 2026 competition.
Messi has now become the World Cup’s all time top goalscorer (18) and will most likely continue to add to his remarkable tally, moving clear of Miroslav Klose’s previous benchmark of 16, and establishing himself among the greatest scorers in World Cup history. Mbappé, meanwhile, is rapidly climbing the rankings and will have a good chance of coming out on top if France make another deep run, as World Cup betting experts believe they will.
Most World Cup goals of all time
Fontaine’s record for the most goals in one World Cup has remained in tact since the late 1950s, but if the likes of Messi, Mbappé and Haaland continue in the mood in which they have started the competition, one of the tournament’s oldest records could well see a modern heir.
