Messi, Mbappé and Haaland vie to break Just Fontaine's World Cup goal record

French striker Just Fontaine's 13‑goal tally at the 1958 World Cup has stood for 68 years. The record is now under threat as the expanded 48‑team 2026 tournament gives current stars extra matches to chase it.

Lionel Messi, already past Miroslav Klose's 16‑goal mark, remains the leading scorer, while Kylian Mbappé says he must “do even more” to keep up. Norwegian forward Erling Haaland is also in contention, and if France, Argentina, Norway or Brazil reach the semifinals they will have two additional games to challenge Fontaine's historic total.