Goal machines show their prowess at 2026 World Cup

The 2026 World Cup stage is set for Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland to display their potent scoring abilities in the early stages of the tournament.

Messi, 39, has already netted five goals in two matches, including two in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria. These goals propelled him to become the World Cup's all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, breaking the records of German legend Miroslav Klose (16) and Brazilian star Marta (17).

France's star player, Mbappe, is closely following Messi's record, having scored four goals overall, including two in France's 3-0 win against Iraq. At 27, Mbappe is seen as a strong contender to break the World Cup's all-time scoring record. His two goals against Iraq also made him France's all-time leading international scorer with 59 goals.

Meanwhile, Haaland, playing in his first World Cup with Norway, has quickly established his reputation as one of the world's best strikers, also scoring four goals overall. The exciting statistics suggest the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot will be one of the most compelling in history.