World Cup 2026: Ranking the Top 9 Goals by Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi

In a thrilling start to the 2026 World Cup, Erling Haaland of Norway, England’s Harry Kane, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Argentina’s Lionel Messi dazzled fans with nine remarkable goals over just two days.

Here’s our ranking of those goals as each player helped secure their team's early victories.

9. Harry Kane, 12th Minute vs. Croatia

Kane’s opening goal in England’s 4-2 victory claims the ninth spot simply because it was the only penalty scored among these nine. After his first penalty attempt was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, a retake was granted when Livaković moved off his line prematurely. Kane calmly converted the second try.

8. Erling Haaland, 43rd Minute vs. Iraq

Haaland’s second goal came courtesy of a defensive mistake. A careless back pass allowed him to intercept before Iraq’s keeper Jalal Hassan could react, making the finish effortless.

7. Lionel Messi, 60th Minute vs. Algeria

Messi anticipated the rebound from Alexis Mac Allister’s shot faster than the defenders around him, reacting quickly to slot the ball home with ease.

6. Harry Kane, 42nd Minute vs. Croatia

This goal tied Kane with Gary Lineker for England’s all-time World Cup scoring record at 10 goals. His powerful header off Declan Rice’s corner showed why he ranks third among active players in World Cup goals and remains one of just sixteen men to score at least ten in the tournament.

5. Erling Haaland, 29th Minute vs. Iraq

Haaland’s first World Cup goal in Norway’s return to the tournament since 1998 was classic Haaland. He timed a run to the back post perfectly and slid to tap in a cross into an open net, doubling Norway’s lead.

4. Lionel Messi, 76th Minute vs. Algeria

For his first-ever World Cup hat trick, Messi slowed down to carve out space, then fired a shot that sliced through four defenders before beating Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane.

3. Kylian Mbappé, 66th Minute vs. Senegal

Mbappé executed a fantastic run into Senegal’s box, opening his hips just right to send a one-touch finish curling towards the far post while still on the move.

2. Lionel Messi, 17th Minute vs. Algeria

The brilliance of Rodrigo de Paul’s incisive pass set this goal up perfectly. Messi controlled the ball with a deft first touch, turned away from defenders, and unleashed a strike into the top right corner.

1. Kylian Mbappé, 90+6 Minutes vs. Senegal

Mbappé’s late winner might be the best goal of the tournament so far. Just after Senegal narrowed the score to 2-1 and appeared poised to snatch a draw, Mbappé produced an incredible strike out of nowhere, leaving goalkeeper Edouard Mendy helpless.