SOCCER: 2026 World Cup breaks record for most goals scored in a single tournament

INGLEWOOD, California — The 2026 World Cup became the highest-scoring edition in tournament history during the United States’ Group D match against Turkey on Thursday, after Auston Trusty’s early goal set a new scoring record.

Trusty’s opener marked the 173rd goal of the tournament, surpassing the previous record of 172 goals set during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. The milestone was reached in the 59th match of the expanded competition.

Turkey responded with two first-half goals after Trusty’s strike, pushing the tournament total further to 175 goals.

By comparison, the previous record of 172 goals in Qatar 2022 was achieved across all 64 matches of that tournament. The 2026 edition features 104 matches in total, an increase of 40 games following FIFA’s expansion from 32 to 48 teams.

“Surpassing the previous highest of 172 goals from Qatar underscores the excitement and attacking prowess that have already made the 2026 World Cup so unforgettable,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Instagram. -Reporting by Hatem MaherEditing by Toby Davis/Reuters