World Cup 2026: Ranking the Nine Goals from Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi
Top Nine Goals from Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi in World Cup 2026 Openers
The opening matches of the 2026 World Cup featured some impressive strikes by football’s biggest names. Erling Haaland from Norway, England’s Harry Kane, France’s Kylian Mbappé, and Argentina’s Lionel Messi scored a total of nine goals over Tuesday and Wednesday, each propelling their teams toward victories.
9. Harry Kane – 12th Minute vs. Croatia
Kane’s initial goal in England’s 4-2 triumph earns this spot since it was the only penalty among the nine. After his first penalty kick was saved by Croatian goalkeeper Dominik Livaković, Kane got a second attempt because the keeper moved early. He converted that retry without hesitation.
8. Erling Haaland – 43rd Minute vs. Iraq
Haaland capitalized on a careless back pass from Iraq’s defense. By pressing forward, he intercepted the ball before Iraqi keeper Jalal Hassan could reach it and finished calmly.
7. Lionel Messi – 60th Minute vs. Algeria
Messi anticipated the rebound off Alexis Mac Allister’s shot better than any Algerian defender, arriving first to tap in the loose ball with ease.
6. Harry Kane – 42nd Minute vs. Croatia
This goal marked Kane tying Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England. He powered a header from a Declan Rice corner, joining an elite group of 16 players with at least ten World Cup goals.
5. Erling Haaland – 29th Minute vs. Iraq
Haaland’s first World Cup goal came with classic style: a sharp run to the back post followed by a slide to direct a cross into an open net, putting Norway 2-0 up in their first World Cup game since 1998.
4. Lionel Messi – 76th Minute vs. Algeria
For his first-ever World Cup hat trick, Messi slowed down to carve out space and unleashed a shot that threaded through four defenders before beating goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
3. Kylian Mbappé – 66th Minute vs. Senegal
Mbappé combined speed and technique with a clever run into the box, managing to open his hips perfectly for a one-touch finish aimed at the far post while still moving forward.
2. Lionel Messi – 17th Minute vs. Algeria
This goal began with Rodrigo de Paul’s sharp pass slicing through the Algerian defense. Messi’s excellent first touch allowed him to turn swiftly and fire a shot into the top right corner.
1. Kylian Mbappé – 90+6 Minutes vs. Senegal
Mbappé’s late winner might be the tournament’s best goal so far. After Senegal narrowed the gap and seemed set to claim a draw, Mbappé struck with an unstoppable shot that left goalkeeper Edouard Mendy rooted to the spot.
