Top Goal Scorers in FIFA World Cup History: Messi Matches Klose's Record
The FIFA World Cup has always been a stage for the greatest goal scorers in soccer. At the 2026 tournament in North America, legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo return, potentially for their final World Cup appearances.
Other stars like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane also shine with impressive international goal tallies. The top scorer rankings blend household names with cult heroes who have left their mark on this global event.
Miroslav Klose and Lionel Messi Share the Top Spot
Germany's Miroslav Klose held the record for most World Cup goals, netting 16 across four tournaments from 2002 to 2014. Messi matched that feat with a brilliant hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's 2026 opener, bringing him level at the summit.
Klose was never widely regarded as one of the world's top strikers during his career, but his knack for scoring in major tournaments stood out. He debuted with a hat-trick against Saudi Arabia in 2002 and capped his World Cup journey by scoring his 16th goal in Germany's 7-1 semifinal win over Brazil in 2014.
All-Time Leading Goal Scorers at the World Cup
The list shows how Klose overtook Brazil’s Ronaldo, who scored 15 goals, including two in the 2002 final against Germany. Mbappe recently climbed above Pele with a double against Senegal in 2026, tying Gerd Muller at 14 goals, aiming to catch Klose soon.
England's Harry Kane began his third World Cup with two goals in a 4-2 victory over Croatia, joining several players with 10 World Cup goals, including fellow Englishman Gary Lineker.
Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup Goal Count
Ronaldo is the all-time leader for international goals with 143 before the 2026 World Cup, but he has only scored eight goals in five World Cups, the same as Argentine legend Diego Maradona. Ronaldo hopes to reach double digits as Portugal aims for a strong run in North America, though he started the 2026 campaign with a 1-1 draw versus DR Congo.
Brazil's Neymar also has eight World Cup goals and could climb higher if he stays fit through the tournament.
