The FIFA World Cup’s all-time goalscoring record could finally be under serious threat at the 2026 edition, with football superstars Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe both within touching distance of a mark that has stood for more than a decade.
When the tournament kicks off across the United States, Canada and Mexico, one of the biggest storylines may not just be the battle for the trophy but also the race to surpass Germany legend Miroslav Klose as the highest goalscorer in World Cup history.
Klose Still Holds The Record
Klose scored 16 goals across four FIFA World Cups between 2002 and 2014, overtaking Brazil great Ronaldo Nazario during the 2014 tournament.
His tally remains the highest ever recorded in World Cup history.
FIFA World Cup All-Time Top Goalscorers
- Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 Goals
- Ronaldo Nazario (Brazil) – 15 Goals
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 13 Goals
- Kylian Mbappe (France) – 12 Goals
- Jurgen Klinsmann (Germany) – 11 Goals
- Helmut Rahn (Germany) – 10 Goals
With Messi and Mbappe both still active and expected to play leading roles for their nations, the record could be rewritten in North America.
Lionel Messi Chasing Another Historic Milestone
After guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar in 2022, Messi enters the 2026 tournament with 13 World Cup goals from 26 appearances.
The Argentine captain needs four more goals to surpass Klose’s record and become the outright highest scorer in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi’s World Cup Numbers
- Goals: 13
- Matches: 26
- World Cup Titles: 1
- Goals Needed To Break Record: 4
At 39, this is expected to be Messi’s final World Cup appearance. If Argentina make another deep run into the knockout stages, the Inter Miami star could have enough matches to challenge the record.
Kylian Mbappe’s Rapid Rise
While Messi has accumulated his tally across five World Cups, Mbappe has reached 12 goals in just two tournaments.
The French superstar won the World Cup in 2018 and scored a hat-trick in the 2022 final against Argentina, cementing his place among the tournament’s greatest performers.
Kylian Mbappe’s World Cup Numbers
- Goals: 12
- Matches: 14
- World Cup Titles: 1
- Goals Needed To Break Record: 5
At just 27 years old, Mbappe appears to have the strongest chance not only to break Klose’s record but potentially set a benchmark that could stand for decades.
Expanded World Cup Could Help Both Stars
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest edition in history.
For the first time, 48 teams will participate, increasing the total number of matches from 64 to 104.
The expanded format means teams reaching the final could play more matches than in previous editions, creating additional opportunities for goals.
FIFA World Cup 2026 By The Numbers
- 48 Teams
- 104 Matches
- 3 Host Nations
- United States
- Canada
- Mexico
The increase in matches could prove crucial for both Messi and Mbappe as they chase football’s most prestigious scoring record.
Race To 16 Could Rival The Race For The Trophy
Messi’s experience and Argentina’s strength make him a genuine contender to overtake Klose. Meanwhile, Mbappe’s remarkable scoring rate means he could surpass both Messi and Klose before the tournament reaches its latter stages.
If Argentina and France once again progress deep into the competition, the battle between two of football’s biggest icons could become one of the defining narratives of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As the tournament begins, the race to 16 goals may prove every bit as captivating as the race to lift the World Cup trophy itself.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony
The tournament will officially get underway with the opening ceremony at Mexico City Stadium ahead of the opening match between Mexico and South Africa.
Several international and Latin American artists are expected to perform during the ceremony, which will take place on June 12 (IST), marking the start of football’s biggest spectacle.