The FIFA World Cup 2026 has already brought stunning encounters, memorable performances and unforgettable goals, but the tournament has now produced a scoring stage 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 closed in seven goals.The remarkable wonder has turned the Golden Boot race into one of the defining storylines of the tournament, with three of football’s biggest stars battling for individual glory as they lead their respective nations deep into the knockout stages.
The end of Haaland’s double seal triumphs the historic Norway
Haaland joined the exclusive club in spectacular fashion after inspiring Norway to a famous 2-1 win over five-time champions Brazil in the Round of 16 on Sunday. The Manchester City striker, who had been largely quiet for most 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 perfect cross in the 79th minute to put Norway ahead before adding another goal late in regulation time to complete a sensational haul and secure his country’s first World Cup quarter-final berth.Schjelderup, who assisted both goals, celebrated both times by pouncing on Haaland’s back as Norway completed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Three great moderns locked in battle Golden Boot
Haaland’s brace took his tally to seven goals, bringing him level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappé at the top of the charts.The milestone carries extra significance as 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 set up a fascinating battle between three players representing different generations of football excellence.Messi continued to cement his legendary status with another outstanding World Cup campaign, while Mbappé once again cemented his reputation as one of the game’s deadliest finishers at major tournaments. Haaland, meanwhile, announced himself on the biggest international stage in his first World Cup, leading unfancied Norway into the last eight.
The quarter-finals promise a thrilling finish
Although the three stars are equal to seven goals, Mbappé currently has the advantage in the Golden Boot classification thanks to his two assists, the first tiebreaker of the tournament.Haaland’s latest brace also extended his remarkable streak to 14 consecutive competitive international games with a goal. The prolific striker has now scored 27 goals during that run and boasts a staggering 62 goals in just 54 appearances for Norway.