Red-hot strikers, errors and smart subs: why the 2026 World Cup is a goal-fest

<p>This tournament is shaping up to be the most prolific since 1970 – if Messi, Mbappé and co can keep up the pace</p><p>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/04/golden-boot-world-cup-2026-top-goalscorers-winner">Golden Boot: World Cup 2026 top goalscorers</a><br>• <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2026/jun/17/who-is-highest-goalscorer-world-cup-history-messi-mbappe">All-time World Cup goalscorers</a></p><p>The 2026 World Cup has begun in very entertaining fashion. On Wednesday we reached the point at which all 48 nations had played twice, with only four of the matches ending goalless.</p><p>Even then, three of the 0-0 draws delivered <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/15/spain-cape-verde-world-cup-2026-group-h-match-report">unexpected points for Cape Verde</a>, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/curacao-ecuador-world-cup-group-e-match-report">Curaçao</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/21/belgium-iran-world-cup-group-g-match-report">Iran</a> against Spain, Ecuador and Belgium respectively. There was a gripping tension and excitement to override the lack of goals each time. <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/23/england-ghana-world-cup-group-l-match-report">England also drew 0-0 with Ghana</a> in a rather more boring match, but you can’t have everything.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/24/red-hot-strikers-errors-and-smart-subs-why-the-2026-world-cup-is-a-goal-fest">Continue reading...</a>