The 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers race is showcasing the world’s elite strikers competing across all confederations. As of November 13, 2025, several players have already made their mark in the qualification campaigns, with World Cup qualification matches continuing at a breathtaking pace. The race for the most goals in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying is intensifying as teams battle for automatic qualification spots.
Early qualifying rounds, including dominant performances from Europe, South America, Africa, Asia, CONCACAF, and Oceania, have already produced some memorable individual achievements.
Several players have netted hat-tricks and multiple braces, establishing themselves as key figures in their nations’ campaigns for the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Current 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification standings, key player profiles, recent updates, and what to watch in the quest for the top scorer award throughout the global qualification journey for “2026 World Cup Qualifier Top Goal Scorers“.
2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers | Global Leaders & Updates
Table of Contents
After the first round of qualifying matches across all confederations, a total of 300+ goals have been scored across multiple matches, showcasing exciting attacking football worldwide.
The qualification phase has kicked off with multiple confederations running their campaigns simultaneously. European qualifiers, South American CONMEBOL qualifiers, African CAF qualifiers, Asian AFC qualifiers, CONCACAF North American qualifiers, and Oceania OFC qualifiers have all produced standout individual performances.
In the September Window of FIFA World Cup, Almoez Ali was the top Scorers in 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers but On the October and November qualification window Erling Haaland and Almoez Ali are the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers top Goal Scorers.
Here’s the Current 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers Standings (As of November 13, 2025), compiled from all continental confederations:
UEFA European Qualifiers – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers
| Goals | Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Erling Haaland | Norway | Leading European scorer; 5-goal hat-trick vs Moldova |
| 7 | Memphis Depay | Netherlands | All-time top international scorer for Netherlands |
| 6 | Andrej Kramarić | Croatia | Scored in all four wins; consistent performer |
| 6 | Harry Kane | England | England captain leading the Three Lions’ campaign |
| 6 | Kevin De Bruyne | Belgium | Midfielder excelling in attacking play |
| 6 | Mikel Merino | Spain | Hat-trick scorer; Spain’s primary contributor |
| 6 | Marko Arnautović | Austria | Key striker for Austria |
| 5 | Thelo Aasgaard | Norway | Four-goal performance vs Moldova; rising star |
| 5 | Mateo Retegui | Italy | Italy striker performing at high level |
| 5 | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal | 40-year-old legend entering record books again |
CONMEBOL South American Qualifiers – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers
| Goals | Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | Legend still top performer in qualifier campaign |
| 7 | Luis Díaz | Colombia | Liverpool winger leading South American scorers |
| 7 | Miguel Terceros | Bolivia | Top scorer Attacking Midfielder for Bolivia |
| 6 | Enner Valencia | Ecuador | Best goal contributor for the nation team |
| 6 | Salomón Rondón | Venezuela | Veteran striker for Venezuela |
CAF African Qualifiers – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers
| Goals | Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Mohamed Amoura | Algeria | Desert Warriors’ key attacker |
| 9 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | Liverpool legend leading Pharaohs’ campaign |
| 8 | Denis Bouanga | Gabon | Experienced Winger for Gabon |
| 8 | Kamory Doumbia | Mali | Impressive Attacking Midfielder |
AFC Asian Qualifiers – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers
| Goals | Player | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 | Almoez Ali | Qatar | Top goal scorer of World Cup qualification |
| 10 | Mehdi Taremi | Iraq | Impresive form and best striker of Iraq |
| 10 | Son Heung-min | South Korean | Best Asian player and Captain of Korean |
| 9 | Ali Olwan | Jordan | Leading Jorden qualifier scorer |
CONCACAF North American Qualifiers – 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers
| Goals | Player | Country | Remark |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | Duckens Nazon | Haiti | Top scorer in CONCACAF qualifiers so far. |
| 5 | Gervane Kastaneer | Curaçao | One of the joint-leaders in the second round of CONCACAF qualifiers. |
| 5 | Óscar Santis | Guatemala | Scored multiple goals to reach top-scorer list in qualifiers. |
| 5 | Shamar Nicholson | Jamaica | Among the 5-goal scorers in CONCACAF second round. |
| 5 | Oalex Anderson | Saint Vincent & the Grenadines | Tied at 5 goals in second-round qualifiers. |
| 4 | Alonso Martínez | Costa Rica | Scored 4 goals and is among the leading scorers in his group. |
| 4 | Dorny Romero | Dominican Republic | Reached 4 goals in the qualifiers and is in the top tier. |
Key Players to Watch in the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Top Scorers Race
Erling Haaland (Norway, 12 Goals) – European Leader
Erling Haaland is absolutely dominating the European qualifying campaign with 12 goals, including a sensational 5-goal hat-trick against Moldova. The Manchester City striker has already established himself as a frontrunner for the qualification period’s top scorer award across all confederations.
His blistering pace, clinical finishing, and ability to score in clusters make him a constant threat and the benchmark for other strikers globally.
Almoez Ali (Qatar, 12 Goals) – AFC/Asia Leader
Qatar’s Almoez Ali is matching Haaland’s tally with 12 goals in the Asian qualifying zone, showcasing that goalscoring prowess extends across all regions. His consistency and finishing ability have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers.
Messi (Argentina, 8 Goals) – CONMEBOL Leader
Inter Miami’s Lionel Messi is leading the South American qualifiers with 8 goals, showing why he’s one of Major League Soccer’s elite forwards. His contributions have helped Argentina secure a spot in the World Cup.
Notable Historic Milestone: Cristiano Ronaldo’s Record
At 40 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo continues to rewrite history. He recently scored his 41st World Cup qualifying goal, breaking the record previously held by Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala.
This achievement underscores Ronaldo’s unparalleled longevity and consistency at the highest levels of international football.
Recent Standout Performances from Qualifying Campaigns
| Event | Player | Performance | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hat-trick | Erling Haaland | 5 goals vs Moldova (Norway 11-1) | September 9, 2025 |
| Hat-trick | Thelo Aasgaard | 4 goals vs Moldova (Norway 11-1) | September 9, 2025 |
| Hat-trick | Mikel Merino | Turkey 0-6 Spain | September 7, 2025 |
| Brace | Cristiano Ronaldo | Portugal 2-2 Hungary (record-breaking) | October 2025 |
| Milestone | Almoez Ali | 12 goals in AFC qualifiers | Ongoing |
Predictions for the 2026 World Cup Qualifier Top Scorer
With World Cup qualification matches continuing through 2025-26, the race for top scorer remains wide open. However, early indicators suggest:
- Erling Haaland remains the favorite, given his prolific form and Norway’s qualification position
- Almoez Ali could catch up if Qatar maintains competitive fixtures throughout qualifiers
- Messi has momentum with Colombia’s strong CONMEBOL campaign
- Memphis Depay and Harry Kane will continue fighting for European supremacy
- Cristiano Ronaldo‘s record-breaking performances show age is no barrier to elite goalscoring
Historical Context: Past Qualifier Top Scorers
For perspective on the 2026 qualifiers race, here’s a look at all-time World Cup qualifying top scorers:
- 1st All-Time: Cristiano Ronaldo – 41 goals in 51 qualifying appearances
- 2nd: Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals in 47 qualifiers
- 3rd: Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals in 72 qualifiers
- 4th: Ali Daei (Iran) – 35 goals in 51 qualifiers
- 5th: Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 33 goals in 42 qualifiers
FAQ: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers Top Goal Scorers
Who is currently leading the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers top scorer race?
As of November 2025, Erling Haaland (Norway) and Almoez Ali (Qatar) are tied at 12 goals each, leading all confederations.
How many total qualifying matches remain for the 2026 World Cup?
Qualification matches continue through November 2025, with each confederation running its own schedule. Most regions will complete qualifying by end of 2025.
When does 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying officially end?
Most 2026 World Cup qualification campaigns conclude in November 2025, with playoff rounds for some regions occurring in early 2026.
Has anyone broken Cristiano Ronaldo’s all-time qualifying record?
No, Ronaldo’s 41 goals in 51 qualifying appearances remains the all-time record. He added to this legacy during 2026 qualifiers, extending his historic achievement.
As of November 2025, Erling Haaland (Norway) and Almoez Ali (Qatar) are tied at 12 goals each, leading all confederations.
How many total qualifying matches remain for the 2026 World Cup?
Qualification matches continue through November 2025, with each confederation running its own schedule. Most regions will complete qualifying by end of 2025.
When does 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying officially end?
Most 2026 World Cup qualification campaigns conclude in November 2025, with playoff rounds for some regions occurring in early 2026.
