The first phase of the World Cup in North America has already reached the mark of 177 goals scored in 60 matches, surpassing, before the first phase even ended, the 172 goals recorded throughout the 2022 World Cup, held in Qatar.
This year’s tournament has been accumulating milestones. This is the case of Lionel Messi’s three goals in Argentina’s clash against Algeria in group J, Qatar’s first point, Cape Verde’s debut, which brought goalkeeper Vozinha to the center of attention for his performance against Spain, and also a new 7-1 for Germany, this time against newcomers Curaçao.
The first round of the 2026 World Cup had already recorded the highest goal average since 1958, with 3.1 goals per game. In Qatar, the average was 2.6 goals per game.
Germany’s rout of Curaçao brought down the average for debut matches. The team leads group E, despite the 2-1 defeat to Ecuador, on Thursday (25). Still, he is at the top of the goals ranking so far, with ten, tied with the Netherlands.
With a draw and two wins, the Netherlands qualified first in group F, after going 5-1 against Sweden and 3-1 in Tunisia on Thursday. With Japan, in the debut, they drew 2-2.
The Brazilian team reaches the end of the first phase at the top of group C, with seven goals. There were two victories, both 3-0, against Scotland and Haiti, and a 1-1 draw against Morocco, in the World Cup debut.
At the World Cup in Qatar, Brazil reached the first stage with three goals, two against Serbia and one against Switzerland. The Brazilian team lost 1-0 against Cameroon, and ended up eliminated in the quarter-finals, on penalties, after drawing with Croatia.
The first phase of the World Cup in North America ends on Saturday (28). In the 32nd stage, the first match will be on Sunday, between South Africa and Canada, at the Los Angeles stadium. Brazil plays on Monday, at 2pm, against Japan.
