The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to witness two of football's greatest players, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, as they chase history by aiming to become the tournament's all-time top scorer. Both players are within striking distance of the current record held by German legend Miroslav Klose, who scored 16 goals across four World Cups.
Current All-Time Top Scorers
Miroslav Klose leads the list with 16 goals, scored in 24 matches across the 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014 editions. He scored five goals in both 2002 and 2006, four in 2010, and two in 2014, culminating in a World Cup victory in his final tournament.
Brazilian icon Ronaldo, known as El Fenomeno, sits second with 15 goals in 19 matches across three tournaments. He scored four goals in 1998, eight in 2002, and three in 2006, winning the World Cup twice.
French striker Just Fontaine is third with 13 goals, despite playing in only one World Cup in 1958, where he scored in six matches. He later managed France and Morocco before passing away in 2023 at age 89.
Lionel Messi shares third place with 13 goals in 26 matches over five tournaments. He has scored in every edition except 2010, and at age 39, he is set to feature in a record sixth World Cup in 2026, his final tournament.
Kylian Mbappe is fifth with 12 goals in 14 matches across two World Cups. He scored four goals in 2018 and eight in 2022, including a hat-trick in the final. At just 27, he could potentially play in two more tournaments and surpass Klose's record.
Brazilian legend Pele also has 12 goals, scored in 14 matches across four World Cups. He won three titles, scoring six goals in 1958, one in 1962, one in 1966, and four in 1970.
2026 World Cup Favorites
According to Opta's supercomputer, Spain is the leading favorite to win the 2026 tournament, followed by France, England, Argentina, and Portugal. The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
