The 2026 FIFA World Cup has become the highest-scoring edition in the history of the tournament, setting a new record for the total number of goals scored. The milestone was reached on Thursday during Group D match between the United States and Türkiye.
U.S. defender Austin Trusty scored the opening goal of the match, bringing the total number of goals in the 2026 World Cup to 173 and surpassing the previous record of 172 goals set at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Later in the same match, four additional goals were scored, increasing the tournament total to 177. The game ended with Türkiye defeating the United States 3–2, marking a historic fixture.
Notably, the new record was set in just the 59th match of the 2026 tournament, whereas the previous record of 172 goals was achieved across all 64 matches of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The 2026 World Cup features 48 teams, with the number of matches expanded from 64 to 104. This increase in participating teams and fixtures has created more opportunities for goals and the breaking of historic records.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino welcomed the achievement in a post on Instagram, stating that surpassing the 172-goal record from Qatar reflects the excitement, attacking football, and high quality of competition that make the 2026 World Cup one of the most memorable editions of the tournament.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
