World Cup 2026: Ranking the 9 Goals by Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi

Top 9 Goals from Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi in World Cup 2026 Openers

Some of soccer’s biggest names made a strong statement in their first World Cup matches. Norway's Erling Haaland, England's Harry Kane, France's Kylian Mbappé, and Argentina's Lionel Messi combined for nine goals over two days as they launched their teams’ 2026 World Cup campaigns.

Here is a ranking of those nine goals, each helping their nation secure three points.

9. Harry Kane, 12th minute vs. Croatia

Kane’s initial penalty was saved by Croatia’s Dominik Livaković but got a second chance after the keeper moved early. Kane converted on the re-kick, making it the only penalty among these goals.

8. Erling Haaland, 43rd minute vs. Iraq

This goal came courtesy of an Iraqi defensive error. Haaland intercepted a careless back pass before the goalkeeper Jalal Hassan could reach it, easily scoring his second of the match.

7. Lionel Messi, 60th minute vs. Algeria

Messi anticipated the rebound from Alexis Mac Allister’s shot faster than the defenders, positioning himself perfectly to tap the ball in.

6. Harry Kane, 42nd minute vs. Croatia

Kane matched Gary Lineker’s record for England with his 10th World Cup goal, powering a header off a Declan Rice corner. He ranks third among active players in World Cup goals and is one of only 16 men to score 10 or more at the tournament.

5. Erling Haaland, 29th minute vs. Iraq

Haaland scored his first World Cup goal with a trademark run to the back post, sliding to tap in 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

Messi slowed down to create space before firing a shot that passed through four defenders en route to goalkeeper Luca Zidane. This goal completed his first World Cup hat trick.

3. Kylian Mbappé, 66th minute vs. Senegal

Mbappé showed great skill making a run into Senegal’s box, opening his hips to one-touch the ball towards the far post while maintaining his momentum.

2. Lionel Messi, 17th minute vs. Algeria

This goal began with Rodrigo de Paul’s sharp pass slicing through the Algerian defense. Messi’s quick first touch allowed him to turn away and fire into the top right corner.

1. Kylian Mbappé, 90+6 minutes vs. Senegal

Mbappé’s late strike might be the best of the tournament so far. Moments after Senegal narrowed the score, he produced an incredible finish that left goalkeeper Edouard Mendy no chance, securing victory for France.