Miroslav Klose leads all players in World Cup goals, Messi, Mbappe active
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 3:55 PM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
An analysis indicates Miroslav Klose tops the list of World Cup goal-scorers with 16 goals over four tournaments. He is followed by Ronaldo with 15 goals. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, with 13 and 12 goals respectively, remain active and could extend their totals in the upcoming tournament. Additionally, Just Fontaine holds the record for most goals in a single World Cup with 13 in 1958. Thomas Muller, currently in MLS, has retired from international play and will not participate in the 2026 World Cup.
- •Miroslav Klose holds the record with 16 World Cup goals.
- •Ronaldo scored 15 goals in three tournaments.
- •Messi has 13 goals, Mbappe 12, heading into the 2026 World Cup.
- •Just Fontaine scored 13 goals in a single World Cup in 1958.
- •Thomas Muller, retired from international play, will not compete in 2026.
- 3:55 PMYahoo Sports — Who has the most World Cup goals? This chart shows how it happened
"A USA TODAY analysis shows how the World Cup’s most prolific scorers accumulated their goals, tournament by tournament.
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