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Top Performers and Stats from the FIFA World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolded across three host countries, with 16 stadiums showcasing 104 matches over 39 days. A total of 1,039 players from 48 nations took part, scoring 308 goals in what was the largest tournament in FIFA's history.

This edition pushed boundaries in athleticism and competition, surpassing previous records including those set in Qatar 2022.

Leading Goal Scorers and Assist Providers

Kylian Mbappe of France claimed his second Golden Boot by netting 10 goals throughout the competition, a feat unmatched since Gerd Muller in 1970. His tally included four assists, making him a top contributor overall. Mbappe also became the highest goal scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals after scoring twice in France’s third-place match against England.

Lionel Messi ended the tournament with eight goals and four assists for Argentina, while England's Jude Bellingham made history as the first English player to score seven goals in a World Cup, adding one assist.

  • Kylian Mbappe (France): 10 goals, 4 assists
  • Lionel Messi (Argentina): 8 goals, 4 assists
  • Jude Bellingham (England): 7 goals, 1 assist
  • Erling Haaland (Norway): 7 goals, 0 assists
  • Ousmane Dembele (France): 6 goals, 2 assists
  • Harry Kane (England): 6 goals, 2 assists
  • Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain): 5 goals, 1 assist
  • Ismaila Sarr (Senegal): 4 goals, 1 assist
  • Julián Quinones (Mexico): 4 goals, 1 assist
  • Vinicius Junior (Brazil): 4 goals, 1 assist

France led the assists chart, thanks in part to Bayern Munich's midfielder Michael Olise, who recorded seven assists during the third-place game. Other notable playmakers with four assists each included Norway's Martin Odegaard, Mbappe himself, Morocco's Brahim Diaz, Brazil's Bruno Guimaraes, and Messi.

Team Offensive Statistics

England maintained 50 percent possession, taking 118 shots with 52 on target. France had 51 percent possession, with 139 attempts at goal and 59 hitting the target.

Goalkeeping Highlights and Defensive Records

Orlando Gill of Paraguay stood out with 28 saves, instrumental in his team's surprise victory over Germany. Despite this, Spain’s goalkeeper Unai Simon earned the Golden Glove award for the tournament's best performances. Cape Verde’s debutant Vozinha impressed with memorable saves as well.

  • Orlando Gill (Paraguay): 28 saves
  • Eloy Room (Curacao): 21 saves
  • Emiliano Martinez (Argentina): 20 saves
  • Gregor Kobel (Switzerland): 20 saves
  • Diogo Costa (Portugal): 20 saves
  • Jordan Pickford (England): 19 saves
  • Yassine Bounou (Morocco): 19 saves
  • Vozinha (Cape Verde): 18 saves
  • Zion Suzuki (Japan): 17 saves
  • Mohammed Al Owais (Saudi Arabia): 17 saves

Spain topped clean sheets with seven, while France, Colombia, and Mexico each recorded four. Teams like Argentina, Morocco, England, Brazil, Ivory Coast, and Paraguay managed two clean sheets apiece.

Disciplinary and Defensive Challenges

Qatar and Egypt saw the most own goals, with two each. Ten other countries conceded one own goal. The teams conceding the highest number of goals were Iraq, Tunisia, and England with 12 each, followed by Uzbekistan and Norway with 11.

The most yellow cards were handed to Argentina (15) and Egypt (12), highlighted by their intense last-16 match filled with controversy and tension. Canada received 11 yellows, and Paraguay picked up nine.

Red cards went to players from Qatar and South Africa twice each. One notable red card was given to Qatar’s Assim Madibo after a serious foul that caused injury.

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