Top Goals from the 2026 World Cup: Messi, Mbappé, Bellingham and More

Memorable Goals of the 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup featured an expanded field with 48 teams, leading to a record number of matches and goals. Across the tournament, 308 goals were scored, with England and France leading at 20 each, closely followed by Argentina's 19. Spain, who lifted the trophy, netted 14 times while conceding only once.

Only Panama failed to score during the competition. Many goals stood out due to their quality and significance. Here are some of the most remarkable strikes from the tournament.

Ferran Torres’ Winning Goal for Spain

Spain struggled to break through against Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez in the final, firing numerous shots without success. It was substitutes Nico Williams and Ferran Torres who combined late in extra time. Williams headed the ball to Torres, who unleashed a precise left-footed shot, finally beating Martínez. After 20 attempts and 11 saves, this goal sealed Spain’s victory and return to glory.

Sidny Lopes Cabral’s Stunning Equalizer for Cape Verde

Cape Verde, a small island nation that surprised many, produced one of the tournament's best goals in extra time against Argentina. After already leveling once, Cabral curled a beautiful shot from just outside the box into the right corner, igniting hope in the underdog side. Although Argentina eventually won 3-2 thanks to a late own goal, Cabral’s effort remains unforgettable.

Messi’s Opening Hat Trick

Lionel Messi started his World Cup campaign in style, scoring a hat trick against Algeria. His first goal was especially memorable, as he powered a shot from the edge of the penalty area instead of passing, showcasing his individual brilliance. With eight goals heading into the final, Messi pushed hard in the race for the Golden Boot.

Mbappé Sets French Scoring Record

Kylian Mbappé had ten goals across the tournament, making it tough to pick a single best one. His long-range strike in the opening match against Senegal, where he controlled the ball and fired from distance, stood out. That goal made him France’s all-time leading World Cup scorer. By the third-place match, he had 22 World Cup goals, surpassing Messi’s record.

Wilson Isidor’s Powerful Strike for Haiti

In their first World Cup appearance in 52 years, Haiti took a momentary lead against Morocco thanks to Wilson Isidor’s thunderous shot from outside the box. Though Haiti finished the group stage without points, Isidor’s goal gave fans a thrilling memory, marking the country’s sole goal of the tournament.

Erling Haaland’s Slid Shot Against Brazil

Erling Haaland led Norway back to the quarterfinals after a 28-year absence, finishing with seven goals. Among his best was a low, powerful shot slipped past three Brazilian defenders and goalkeeper Alisson during Norway’s Round of 16 win. Haaland showed both aerial and ground skills throughout the tournament.

Giovanni Reyna’s Outside-Foot Finish

During the USMNT’s dominant group stage win over Paraguay, Giovanni Reyna came off the bench to seal the victory with a spectacular trivela in stoppage time, curling the ball with the outside of his foot. It was a fitting cap to the team's strong performance at home.

Julián Álvarez’s Distance Strike

In a tense quarterfinal clash with Switzerland, Julián Álvarez broke the deadlock in extra time with a stunning long-range goal, helping Argentina advance with a 3-1 win.

Amad Diallo Scores Ivory Coast’s First Knockout Goal

Making history for Ivory Coast in their first knockout game, Amad Diallo equalized against Norway by weaving through defenders and powering a finish. Despite Norway’s eventual 2-1 win, the goal marked an important milestone for the Elephants.

Andreas Schjelderup’s Screamer vs. England

While Haaland grabbed much attention, teammate Andreas Schjelderup quietly fired a fantastic strike from outside the box in the quarterfinals, giving Norway an early lead over England. Though England won, Schjelderup’s goal hinted at the team’s future potential.

Malik Tillman’s Free Kick Magic

USMNT midfielder Malik Tillman scored two impressive direct free kicks in consecutive knockout games. The first extended the lead against Bosnia and Herzegovina despite being a man down; the second found the net against Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, though the U.S. eventually lost. Both goals highlighted Tillman’s skill on set pieces.

Jude Bellingham’s Solo Effort for England

In the thrilling third-place match against France, Jude Bellingham took charge when England was under pressure. Picking up the ball near midfield, he drove past multiple defenders before unleashing a fierce right-footed shot to restore England’s two-goal lead. This solo masterpiece was the final highlight in a high-scoring contest.