The 2026 World Cup breaks the all-time World Cup goalscoring record

The 2026 World Cup has become the highest-scoring edition in the tournament’s history, with 173 goals scored in just 59 matches. It has surpassed the previous record of 172 goals. That record was set at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar after 64 matches.

173 goals at @FIFAWorldCup 2026! ⚽️

More than any other edition of the tournament, a new record 👏 pic.twitter.com/gVhcO3GUeU

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 26, 2026

The historic 173rd goal was scored by American defender Auston Trusty during the match between the United States and Turkey. As a result, this set a new record for the current World Cup.

The tournament is five matches away from matching the total played at the previous World Cup. However, there are 45 matches still remaining in the expanded 2026 edition, which features 48 teams and 104 matches.

This reflects a strong scoring rate since the start of the tournament. In particular, the tournament has been averaging around 2.93 goals per match at the point the record was broken, with the 2026 edition now on course for a new all-time high.

The 2022 Qatar World Cup had concluded with 172 goals scored across 64 matches, a figure that stood until the 2026 edition surpassed it before the group stage had even finished. This underscores the attacking nature that has characterised the current tournament.

The excellence displayed during this year’s World Cup is not limited to goals alone. The tournament has also already broken the record for attendance, having surpassed the 3.6 million spectator mark after 56 matches. The 2026 edition, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, continues to break records both in attendance and on the pitch.

Featured image via FIFA / Instagram