The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already produced spectacular upsets, memorable performances and unforgettable goals, but the tournament has now created 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 in seven goals.The remarkable feat turned the race for the Golden Boot into one of the defining stories of the tournament, with three of football’s biggest stars battling it out for individual glory while leading their respective countries to the knockout stages.
Haaland’s late double sealed Norway’s historic victory
Haaland joined the exclusive club in remarkable 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 has been very quiet for most of the competition, came alive when it mattered most.After talking to coach Ståle Solbakken during the hydration break in the second half, Haaland responded. He headed home Andreas Schjelderup’s inch-perfect cross in the 79th minute to put Norway ahead before adding a goal late in regulation time to complete a stunning brace and secure his country’s first ever World Cup quarterfinals.Schjelderup, who assisted on both goals, celebrated twice by jumping on Haaland’s back as Norway completed one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.
Three modern greats are locked in a Golden Boot battle
Haaland’s double took his tally to seven goals, leveling him with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts.The milestone carries extra significance as it is the first time in World Cup history that three different players have reached seven goals in the same tournament. It also creates an interesting battle between three players who represent different generations of football excellence.Messi continued to enhance 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, on the other hand, announced himself on the biggest international stage in his first World Cup, leading an unfancied Norway to the last eight.
The quarterfinals promise an exciting finish
Although all three stars are at the level of seven goals, Mbappé currently holds the top of the Golden Boot standings 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 matches with a goal. The prolific striker has now scored 27 goals in that run and boasts an astonishing 62 goals in just 54 games for Norway.