World Cup 2026: Ranking the 9 Goals by Haaland, Kane, Mbappé, and Messi in Opening Matches

The first two days of the World Cup 2026 showcased some dazzling moments as Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappé, and Lionel Messi combined to score nine goals for their teams. Their performances set the tone for the tournament with memorable strikes that helped secure wins.

9. Harry Kane, 12th Minute vs. Croatia

Kane’s penalty kick stood out simply because it was the only goal scored from the spot among these nine. After Croatia goalkeeper Dominik Livaković saved his first attempt, a retake was awarded when Livaković moved early. Kane made no mistake on his second try in England's 4-2 victory.

8. Erling Haaland, 43rd Minute vs. Iraq

Haaland capitalized on a defensive error by Iraq. A careless back pass allowed him to intercept the ball before Iraqi keeper Jalal Hassan could reach it, giving Haaland an easy finish for his second goal of the match.

7. Lionel Messi, 60th Minute vs. Algeria

Messi showed sharp anticipation after Alexis Mac Allister’s shot. Spotting the rebound before Algerian defenders, he quickly pounced and scored, demonstrating his instinctive positioning.

6. Harry Kane, 42nd Minute vs. Croatia

Kane’s header off Declan Rice’s corner tied Gary Lineker’s record of 10 World Cup goals for England. This powerful finish placed Kane among the top active World Cup scorers and one of only 16 men with 10 or more World Cup goals overall.

5. Erling Haaland, 29th Minute vs. Iraq

Haaland’s first World Cup goal was classic Haaland. Timing a run perfectly to the back post, he slid to convert a cross into an open net, putting Norway up 2-0 in their first World Cup game since 1998.

4. Lionel Messi, 76th Minute vs. Algeria

Messi slowed down to create space before firing a shot that weaved through four defenders and beat Algeria’s Luca Zidane. This goal completed Messi’s first-ever World Cup hat trick.

3. Kylian Mbappé, 66th Minute vs. Senegal

Mbappé’s run into the penalty area was brilliant. He managed to open his hips just right to one-touch the ball towards the far post while maintaining full speed, producing a sleek finish.

2. Lionel Messi, 17th Minute vs. Algeria

This goal owed much to Rodrigo de Paul’s sharp pass slicing through the defense. Messi’s first touch was perfect, allowing him to turn swiftly and shoot into the top right corner, breaking free cleanly from the defenders.

1. Kylian Mbappé, 90+6 Minutes vs. Senegal

Mbappé’s late winner might be the best goal of the tournament so far. With Senegal threatening a draw at 2-2, Mbappé struck an incredible shot beyond Edouard Mendy’s reach, snatching victory moments before full time.