2026 World Cup Sets New All-Time Goal-Scoring Record, Surpassing 2022 Total

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has officially become the highest-scoring tournament in its history. During today’s match between the United States and Turkey in Inglewood, an early goal in the 3rd minute brought the tournament’s cumulative tally to 173 goals, eclipsing the record of 172 goals set during the 2022 Qatar tournament.

According to reports from Reuters, the Group D encounter saw U.S. player Auston Trusty score shortly after kickoff. Following four additional goals in the same match, which ended in a 3-2 victory for Turkey, the tournament’s total reached 177 goals.

The previous record of 172 goals was achieved over the course of 64 matches in 2022. The 2026 edition surpassed this figure during its 59th match. This increase in total goals is largely attributed to the expansion of the tournament format, with FIFA increasing the number of participating teams from 32 to 48. Consequently, the 2026 World Cup features 104 matches, an increase of 40 games compared to the Qatar tournament.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino noted on social media that the new record underscores the high-scoring nature and excitement of the 2026 tournament, contributing to its historical significance.