Top Scorers in FIFA World Cup Tournaments

The FIFA World Cup is one of the world’s most prestigious and popular sporting events. Since the 1930s, FIFA has organized its tournament every four years, almost uninterrupted. And in its 90+ year history, the fans have seen some excellent players and teams raise hell in the various stadiums worldwide. But many still wonder, who are some of the top scorers in the history of the World Cup? We are looking at stats and history to compile a list of the best players in the Cup’s history.

Pele

It isn’t easy to separate the name Pele from the sport. Often regarded as the greatest footballer in history, Edson Arantes do Nascimento, better known as Pele to the world, began his career at the tender age of 15. By 16, he was already playing for the Brazil national team. In terms of scorers, he is Brazil’s all-time leading player, with 77 goals in 90-or-so games. He holds several records, including Guinness World Record for most goals scored, with over 1200 in 1300ish games.

It might surprise you that Pele needs to hold the record for the most goals scored during the World Cup. Though he has been on the winning team three times, and he certainly is no slouch, Pele has scored 12 goals in the FIFA competition. Twelve goals in 14 matches make him one of the best players in the top 5 FIFA World Cup scorers.

Just Fontaine

Just Fontaine is a legend in the sport. One of France’s most prolific forwards, Fontaine made his name as a forward for USM Casablanca. However, he shone on the international stage as France’s forward. On the international scene, Monsieur Fontaine competed at several prestigious events. Most notably, he cemented his legend during the 1958 World Cup.

The 1958 iteration of the World Cup was held in Sweden, marking the first time a Nordic country had served as a host. While the French team did not make it to the finals, they did go home with some accolades, largely thanks to Just Fontaine. In the six matches in which France did compete, Monsieur Fontaine managed to score thirteen goals. To this day, this is the record for most goals scored during a single edition of the World Cup, and Fontaine is one of the top 5 goal scorers in the event’s history.

Miroslav Klose

Miroslav Klose is a German of Polish descent who coaches Austria’s Rheindorf Altach. As far as Germany is concerned, Miroslav Klose is one of the all-time top scorers, and to this day, he holds the record for most goals scored in World Cup tournaments. And while his coaching career is relatively new (going on since 2016), most football fans remember Mr. Klose for his impressive showings during his time on the field.

Klose has competed in four different iterations of the World Cup from 2002 until 2014. During these four editions, he competed in 24 matches. In these matches, Miroslav Klose scored 16 goals, one more than previous record-holder Ronaldo Nazario. These accomplishments propel Miroslav to the status of superstar, and he is still considered one of the greatest players that Germany has ever produced.

The 2022 Edition’s Best Players

This article’s final section looks at some of the top scorers in the 2022 edition of the World Cup. Excitement has been bubbling for the past year. So, now that the tournament is in full swing, many people are looking for the best sites to bet on the FIFA World Cup. So, with this section, we would like to provide insight into which players are worth watching.

First, France’s Kylian Mbappe will take the top spot in 2022. In the four games France has already played, Mbappe has shown that he deserves consideration as one of the best active players. Already, the young player has scored five goals, putting him square in the lead as the top scorer of the 2022 World Cup, at least for now.

Apart from Mbappe, many players have shown they are worth their salt. Most notable, of course, is Lionel Messi. He is earning his paycheck, having already scored three goals in the tournament. Also in the “three goals club” are Spain’s Alvaro Morata, England’s Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, the Dutchman Cody Gakpo, and France’s Olivier Giroud.

Honorable Mentions

The three men mentioned in this article are only a few of the greatest goal-scorers. Due to necessity, we had to leave off legends like Brazil’s Ronaldo, who, in 19 matches, has scored 15 goals. This accomplishment puts him squarely at the number 2 spot, behind only Miroslav Klose. Other big names whose achievements should be acknowledged are Gerd Muller (14 goals in 13 matches), Sandor Kocsis (11 goals in 5 rounds), and Jurgen Klinsmann (11 goals in 17 games).

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Historic Return: NHL Confirms Player Participation in 2026 Winter Olympics

Published on November 16, 2025

Duane Rolheiser

The NHL has officially confirmed the inclusion of its players in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, following a 12-year absence that left the fans craving the excitement of the real best-on-best international hockey. The announcement is a historical event, as it goes back to the Olympic arena where the hockey powerhouse nations of the world will eventually be faced with their complete NHL prowess.

The ruling has not only shaken the hockey fraternity but also the sports fraternity at large, as it has generated early predictions, betting debates, and revived rivalries. Also, such large websites as GGBet, where many fans place their bets, have also been on the lookout, offering odds and analysis on which country will win gold.

A Long-Awaited Comeback

Since the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, NHL players have not been given the chance to play in the Olympics. The spectators have since witnessed world championships that, even though competitive, did not have the superstar appeal of Olympic hockey. This decision of the league in selecting the players to Milan-Cortina is a recreation of the desires of the NHL and the international arena to become one again.

The 2026 tournament will be the one offering the excitement, talent, and passion that will be fitting among NHL players. These legends, such as Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, and Leon Draisaitl, could play with young players like Jack Hughes and Tim Stützle – that sort of experience and youth.

The Tournament Breakdown

The event in hockey will take place between 11 and 22 February 2026, and the team count will be 12, which will be divided into three groups:

● A: Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, France.
● B: Italy, Finland, Sweden, Slovakia.
● C: Latvia, Denmark, the US, Germany.

The teams will be playing three pre-elimination games followed by play-off, which will lead to the final match, and a gold medal will be given on February 22.

Slovakia is going to play against Finland, and Sweden against Italy. Team USA starts playing on February 12, and Team Canada plays against Czechia. The matches would all be at either the Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena or the Rho Ice Hockey Arena, both in Milan.

Why This Moment Matters

It is not only entertainment but a legacy that the NHL has gone back to the Olympics. To the league, it reestablishes itself as the world body in professional hockey. To players, it makes their lifelong dream of playing in the national team a reality in the biggest sporting arena. And to fans, it revives the magic that made such moments as Crosby scoring his Golden Goal in Vancouver 2010 unforgettable.

Nevertheless, beyond the ice, such a move will make the NHL more global and strengthen the new generation of sportsmen. The Games of 2026 are expected to achieve a huge global following, whereby fans in North America, Europe, and other continents will be reached.

Looking Ahead

As the opening of February 2026 approaches, the teams are plotting, investigating, and preparing to contest a tournament that numerous people are calling the most competitive Olympic hockey tournament to date. The already existing dream is Canada vs. USA, Finland vs. Sweden, and national pride will clash against the NHL-type talent.

Final Thoughts

It is not a sports story, but a cultural phenomenon because NHL players are returning to the 2026 Winter Olympics. It is an embodiment of unity, excellence, and the unadulterated affection of hockey. The fans all around the world are eagerly awaiting the days when the puck will drop in Milan and they will be watching a show that has been 12 years in the making.

The tournament will not be remembered for the successive gold medals, but rather for the first face-off to the final gold medal celebration. It can be either your country that wins; it could be just watching the magic, but in any case, one thing is certain: the Olympics are back, and the game has never been this alive.