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New Delhi: The anticipation for the world’s most celebrated football tournament is reaching its peak. The FIFA World Cup 2026 is scheduled to kick off on June 11, hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This edition will see 48 of the best national teams from around the world competing for the sport’s ultimate honour. With a total of 160 matches lined up, the 2026 World Cup will be the largest in the event’s illustrious history.

Throughout its history, the FIFA World Cup has showcased the brilliance of football’s greatest talents, as players have produced magical moments for their nations on the grandest stage. From emerging youngsters rising to prominence to seasoned icons stamping their authority, the tournament has delivered countless unforgettable memories. Since the inaugural World Cup in 1930, an impressive 2720 goals have been recorded across 964 matches.

Despite the tournament’s long and storied legacy, no player has surpassed the 20-goal mark in its history. Former German striker Miroslav Klose holds the record as the top scorer in FIFA World Cup history, with 16 goals to his credit. He leads a distinguished list featuring some of football’s most accomplished finishers.

Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 16 goals in 24 matches

Germany’s Miroslav Klose stands at the top of the all-time World Cup goalscoring chart. Across four editions, Klose netted 16 goals in 24 appearances for his country. He scored five goals each in the 2002 and 2006 tournaments, consistently delivering at crucial moments. Klose was also part of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning squad, cementing his legacy as one of the competition’s greats.

Ronaldo (Brazil) – 15 goals in 19 matches

Brazilian football icon Ronaldo occupies the second position with 15 goals from 19 World Cup matches over three editions. He made his first appearance in 1994 but did not score. Over the next three tournaments, Ronaldo went on to score 15 goals, winning the Golden Boot in 2002 as he led Brazil to the championship. He was part of Brazil’s victorious squads in both 1994 and 2002.

Gerd Muller (West Germany) – 14 goals in 13 matches

Legendary West German forward Gerd Muller ranks third, having scored 14 goals in just 13 matches across two World Cups. In his debut tournament in 1970, Muller found the net 10 times, an extraordinary feat. He followed that up with another four goals in 1974, helping West Germany clinch the title after defeating the Netherlands in the final.

Just Fontaine (France) – 13 goals in 6 matches

French striker Just Fontaine holds fourth place on the list, with a remarkable 13 goals in only six matches during the 1958 FIFA World Cup. He participated in just one edition of the tournament but set a record for the most goals scored in a single World Cup—a record that still stands. Despite his prolific scoring, France fell short of winning the trophy that year.

Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 13 goals in 26 matches

Argentina’s Lionel Messi, often regarded as one of football’s all-time greats, has featured in a record five FIFA World Cups, scoring 13 goals in 26 appearances. Messi achieved his lifelong dream in 2022 by leading Argentina to World Cup glory, netting seven goals throughout the tournament to guide his nation to a historic victory.