Almost 300 goals have been scored in the 2026 World Cup. Now let’s rank some of the best. Of course, superstars like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe have put in some incredible hits as they top the Golden Boot race. The tournament has also provided lesser-known players the ability make a n ame for themselves with brilliant goals. Cape Verde was one such nation, as Kevin Pina and Sidny Lopes Cabral each found the net to make the list. Here’s a ranking of some of the best goals across the tournament ahead of the England-France third-place game and Argentina-Spain final: MORE WORLD CUP COVERAGE 2026 World Cup 15 hours ago Previewing the Argentina-Spain World Cup final: Key players, stats and more 2026 World Cup 21 hours ago What to know about the FIFA World Cup trophy ahead of the Argentina-Spain final 2026 World Cup 16 hours ago 2026 World Cup winners will get first ever championship rings, FIFA says 10. France’s Kylian Mbappe closes door vs. Senegal Mbappe had his share of curlers throughout the tournament, such as a close-range one vs. Sweden and a tight-space opener vs. Morocco, both in the knockout rounds. But his second goal in France’s group opener vs. Senegal gets the nod. In extra time right after Senegal scored to make things interesting, Mbappe immediately shut the door with a long-range hit. 9. Norway’s Antonio Nusa curls opener vs. Ivory Coast Norway, one of the dark horses this tournament, scored multiple goals worthy of a spot. This one goes to breakout left winger Antonio Nusa, who curled in a fantastic opener in a 2-1 round of 32 win vs. Ivory Coast. Amad Diallo’s equalizer in this game also deserves a mention. 8. Brazil’s Gabriel Martinelli nails dagger vs. Japan Brazil had a tough round of 32 match after topping Group C. The Selecao trailed Japan early 1-0 until Casemiro equalized in the second half. Then came substitute winger Gabriel Martinelli, who scored a late, late game winner in a finish that looks much harder than it is. 7. USA’s Malik Tillman nails free kick vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina The U.S. men’s national team could’ve suffered a shocking round of 32 exit after Folarin Balogun’s second-half red card. But World Cup debutant Malik Tillman gave the U.S. a significant cushion with a timely free kick. 6. England’s Harry Kane seals comeback vs. DR Congo The Three Lions were on the brink of a round of 32 elimination after DR Congo scored early in the first half. Then came Harry Kane. Kane scored a brace to keep England alive, with his second goal late in regulation being among the best. 5. Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup hits screamer vs. England Another knockout game in which England went down first, Norway’s other rising left winger made his mark. Andreas Schjelderup opened the scoring in the first half with a sensational screamer off his weak foot. Attempted cross? Nope, it seemed intentional. 4. Cape Verde’s Kevin Pina drills free kick vs. Uruguay What a way to get your nation’s first ever World Cup goal. Kevin Pina, 29, drilled a free kick by keeping it low with pace on the ground to open the scoring vs. Uruguay. The game ended 2-2, but Pina delivered the best free kick of the tournament. 3. Argentina’s Lionel Messi equalizes vs. Egypt Down 2-0, Argentina needed Messi’s heroics to stay alive in the round of 16. Messi assisted Argentina’s first goal to Cristian Romero. A few minutes later, he capitalized on a stunning goal in the box to make it 2-2 before La Albiceleste went on to win it. 2. Cape Verde’s Sidny Lopes Cabral equalizes vs. Argentina The next two goals could go either way. In extra time as Cape Verde sought the most improbable upset in the round of 32 vs. Argentina, defender Sidny Lopes Cabral curled one from the left flank to the top right corner, beating Emi Martinez. Stunned himself, Cabral ran into the crowds to hug his loved ones, though Argentina would later win 3-2.  (edited) 1. Argentina’s Julian Alvarez stunner vs. Switzerland Tied 1-1 in the second half of extra time to 10-men Switzerland, Julian Alvarez delivered his moment that Argentine fans had been waiting for. Alvarez scored a similar curling effort to Cabral’s, with this being the difference-maker in an eventual 3-1 quarterfinal win. ¡APARECIÓ UNA 'ARAÑA' EN LAS REDES! Con un potente derechazo, Julián Álvarez la clavó en el ángulo y rompe el empate de Argentina. pic.twitter.com/G1VCzpPUAe— Telemundo Deportes (@TelemundoSports) July 12, 2026 ...read more read less