FIFA World Cup 2026 reaches 100 goals in 33 matches — fastest since 1958
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New Delhi: The FIFA World Cup 2026 became the quickest edition in 68 years to reach 100 goals, reaching the milestone in just 33 matches.
Cody Gakpo’s involvement in the Netherlands’ 5-1 win over Sweden produced the tournament’s 100th goal on Sunday (IST). Mexico’s Julián Quiñones had opened the scoring at this World Cup with a goal in Mexico’s 2-0 win over South Africa on June 12.
The 33-match mark surpasses previous fast paces of 36 matches (1982 and 2014) and 38 matches (1978 and 1994). The record remains the 1954 World Cup in Switzerland, which reached 100 goals in 20 matches.
The Netherlands also joined an elite group of nations by becoming only the eighth country to score 100 goals across World Cup history, highlighted by Brian Brobbey’s early brace against Sweden, the second of which was the nation’s 100th World Cup goal.
The Group F match between Japan and Tunisia at Monterrey Stadium was the 1,000th match in FIFA World Cup history. FIFA said the landmark reflects the tournament’s longevity and football’s global unifying power.
The expanded 2026 edition features 48 teams in 12 groups, with the top two from each group and the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the knockout rounds.
(Inputs from IANS)