The 2026 World Cup is breaking scoring records. In the first 40 games, 121 goals have been scored, 25% more than in the same period of Qatar 2022. The average per game is three goals, and only three duels ended without goals.
What is the reason for this increase?
FIFA attributes part of the phenomenon to the new ball, designed with deep seams for “optimal stability in flight.” Players and coaches agree that the ball shoots out at high speed. “He’s as fast as a cannonball,” Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said. “If you kick in the right position, it’s extremely difficult to save.”
The added time also plays a role. Hydration breaks, new in this tournament, lengthen matches and generate more opportunities. In addition, the expansion to 48 teams increased the talent gap between the teams.
Protagonist leagues and clubs
More than half of the goals were scored by players from the three main European leagues: England (28), Germany (16) and Spain (11). The Premier League tops the list. In the Netherlands 5-1 Sweden duel, the six goals were scored by players who play in the Premier League.
“The Premier League is more intense than this World Cup,” commented Arsenal’s Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli. “But it is still a very nice tournament, with high quality matches.”
Real Madrid has six goals (three from Mbappé, two from Vinícius Júnior, one from Bellingham). Liverpool contributes five; Bayern Munich, four. Lionel Messi, with Inter Miami, scored a hat trick in Argentina’s debut and two more later. The MLS registers eight goals in total.
Record within reach?
The current tournament is on track to surpass the 172 goals of Qatar 2022. Although the comparison is not exact – this year there are 104 games compared to 64 – the current pace projects 194 goals in 64 games. The trend was already seen in the Champions League: 3.47 goals per game last season, a historical record.
With 88 different scorers and eight own goals, the offensive party does not let up. The World Cup continues to show that, when there is talent and a ball that flies, the rival goal is always in danger.