record-breaking goals, dramatic comebacks and surprises: could this world cup be the greatest ever?

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With stunning goals, heart-stopping comebacks, nail-biting suspense and unexpected outcomes, the 2026 World Cup has delivered unforgettable drama. As the quarter-finals approach, eight teams remain in contention, each vying for a place in football history.

This tournament is historic in many ways. For the first time, 48 nations are competing across three host countries—the Canada, Mexico and the United States. The expanded format has created an unparalleled stage for football excellence.

But is this the greatest World Cup of all time? The answer is deeply personal—some will remember their first tournament, others will judge it by their national team’s journey. Yet when it comes to on-field performance, the numbers speak volumes.

goals galore: a festival of attacking football

Across 104 matches, 280 goals have been scored—a remarkable average of 2.92 goals per game. This is the highest scoring rate since Mexico 1970, where 95 goals were scored in 32 games (2.97 per match).

The 2022 World Cup in Qatar averaged 2.69 goals per game, while Russia 2018 saw 2.64, Brazil 2014 had 2.67 and South Africa 2010 recorded 2.27. The highest-scoring match so far? Germany’s 7–1 thrashing of Curaçao. Seven other games have featured six goals each, and thirteen have seen five.

Offensive football has dominated. A remarkable 74.6% of all goals came from open play—the highest proportion in World Cup history—while just 5% came from penalties, the lowest ever recorded.

late drama and stunning turnarounds

Eight of the 24 knockout matches were decided by a goal scored after the 85th minute, with Argentina needing extra time to defeat Cape Verde—one of the tournament’s most inspiring underdogs. Four games went to penalties.

Enzo Fernández’s 90th-minute winner against Egypt was the 10th goal scored in stoppage time in this World Cup—a record. Meanwhile, Belgium and Argentina both overcame two-goal deficits in the final 15 minutes, a feat unseen since 1970.

England’s victory came despite a 40-minute numerical disadvantage and a heroic display in the electrifying atmosphere of Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium.

Eight goalless draws have been recorded—another first. Far from signaling poor quality, this reflects the competitive balance sweeping across the tournament.

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fans bring the magic: a tournament alive with passion

Despite concerns over high ticket prices, travel costs and accommodation expenses, fans have shown extraordinary dedication. The stands have been packed, with a 99.7% attendance rate—more than 4.4 million spectators for the group stage, rising to 6.2 million after the knockout rounds.

Average attendance now stands at over 65,000 per game, second only to the 1994 World Cup in the United States (69,000 per match). The atmosphere has been electric, with supporters traveling thousands of miles to be part of the experience.

The world’s top stars are also shining. The race for the Golden Boot is wide open: Lionel Messi leads with eight goals, followed by Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland with seven each, and Harry Kane with six. This is the first time three players have scored seven or more goals in a single World Cup.

underdogs steal the show

With 48 teams, the fear was one-sided matches. Instead, underdogs have delivered some of the tournament’s most memorable moments.

Curaçao, the smallest nation ever to qualify, recovered from a 7–1 loss to Germany to draw with Ecuador. Qatar, despite a 6–0 defeat to Canada, held Switzerland—eventual quarter-finalists—to a 1–1 draw.

Cape Verde’s journey has been nothing short of legendary. With goalkeeper Vozinha, aged 40, between the posts, the team held Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to draws, reached the Round of 16, and pushed Argentina to extra time before falling 3–2.

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controversies and challenges: the darker side of the tournament

The World Cup has not been without controversy. Exorbitant ticket prices, inflated travel and accommodation costs have strained budgets for many fans, making attendance a luxury few could afford.

Hydration breaks, introduced to protect players in extreme heat, were welcomed in scorching conditions but criticized when implemented in air-conditioned or rainy stadiums.

The tournament’s length—spanning nearly two months—has drawn criticism. With matches almost every day and the final not until July 19, fatigue has set in. The Premier League resumes just over a month after the final, raising concerns about player recovery and performance.

Refereeing decisions have sparked debate, and the addition of more games and longer travel distances has intensified scrutiny over player welfare.

The most alarming controversy involved Folarin Balogun, the American striker sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina. After a direct appeal from US President Donald Trump to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Balogun’s suspension was temporarily suspended under FIFA’s disciplinary code, allowing him to play in the following round.

This decision—only the second of its kind since 1962—sparked outrage from UEFA, Belgium and England manager Thomas Tuchel, with Belgian players later admitting it motivated them.

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the final act: can the tournament live up to its promise?

For FIFA, this World Cup has been a resounding success. The matches have been thrilling, the stadiums full, and the global fanbase has created an unforgettable spectacle.

As the quarter-finals approach, the tournament’s legacy now hinges on the final stages. A disappointing final could overshadow the brilliance of earlier rounds—as happened in 1990 and 1994. But a spectacular climax, featuring four of the world’s top-ranked teams—Argentina, Spain, France and England—could cement this as the greatest World Cup ever.

Whatever the outcome, this tournament will be remembered as one of football’s most electrifying chapters.