The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered stunning upsets, memorable performances and unforgettable goals, but the tournament has now produced a scoring milestone unlike anything seen before. For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three different players have scored seven or more goals in the same edition of the tournament, with Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé all locked on seven goals.The remarkable feat has transformed the Golden Boot race into one of the defining storylines of the tournament, with three of football’s biggest stars battling for individual glory while carrying their respective nations deep into the knockout stages.
Haaland’s late double seals historic Norway triumph
Haaland joined the exclusive club in spectacular fashion after inspiring Norway to a famous 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16 on Sunday. The Manchester City striker, who had been largely quiet for much of the contest, came alive when it mattered most.After speaking with coach Ståle Solbakken during the second-half hydration break, Haaland responded emphatically. He headed home Andreas Schjelderup’s inch-perfect cross in the 79th minute to put Norway ahead before adding another goal late in regulation time to complete a sensational brace and secure his country’s first-ever World Cup quarterfinal berth.Schjelderup, who assisted both goals, celebrated both times by jumping onto Haaland’s back as Norway completed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Three modern greats locked in Golden Boot battle
Haaland’s double took his tally to seven goals, drawing him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappé atop the scoring charts.The milestone carries extra significance because it is the first occasion in World Cup history that three different players have reached the seven-goal mark in the same tournament. It also sets up a fascinating battle between three players representing different generations of footballing excellence.Messi has continued to enhance his legendary status with another outstanding World Cup campaign, while Mbappé has once again underlined his reputation as one of the game’s deadliest finishers in major tournaments. Haaland, meanwhile, has announced himself on the biggest international stage in his maiden World Cup, leading unfancied Norway into the last eight.
Quarterfinals promise thrilling finish
Although all three stars are level on seven goals, Mbappé currently holds the edge in the Golden Boot standings thanks to his two assists, the tournament’s first tiebreaker.Haaland’s latest brace also extended his remarkable streak to 14 consecutive competitive international matches with a goal. The prolific striker has now scored 27 goals during that run and boasts an astonishing 62 goals in just 54 appearances for Norway.
