No one has scored more World Cup goals than Miroslav Klose. His record of 16 has stood untouched since 2014, but next summer it’s under real threat.
Lionel Messi sits on 13. Kylian Mbappé is on 12. Both are close enough that a strong tournament could put them clear of the German.
Messi’s first World Cup goal came in 2006 and he added another four in Argentina’s successful 2022 tournament. He is yet to commit to playing in the 2026 tournament, but he is expected to be on the plane. Unless he is still playing into his mid 40s, this represents Messi’s last opportunity to claim yet another record and overtake Klose on the goalscoring chart.
Mbappé has only played in two World Cups, which makes his goalscoring return even more impressive. The Frenchman will only be 26 by the time the tournament comes around- even if he doesn’t catch Klose this time around, he’ll likely have plenty more opportunities.
Cristiano Ronaldo is a step back on 8 World Cup goals. He has scored in every World Cup has has played in, but is yet to have an explosive goalscoring return. Never rule Ronaldo out of any big occasion or goalscoring feat, but it would take something outrageous for CR7 to topple Klose’s record.
Then you have Erling Haaland. He has never kicked a ball at a World Cup let alone scored a goal, but the idea of him going on a record goalscoring run is never that far-fetched. Norway qualified in style; winning all eight games and doing the double over Italy. They’re a strong unit who have perfected the art of feeding Haaland up top – he scored in every qualifier. It is highly unlikely he’ll reach Klose’s record in his first tournament, but if Norway go deep into the knockouts, could he challenge Just Fontaine’s record 13 goals at a single tournament?
Klose’s record has stood for over a decade, but the gap has closed.
Messi needs three. Mbappé needs five. Ronaldo needs an incredible tournament. Haaland needs a miracle.
