World Cup 2026 surpasses Qatar 2022 in early goal scoring
After 16 matches, the 2026 World Cup has seen more goals than the Qatar 2022 edition at the same stage, despite concerns over the new format.
The current World Cup edition opened with debates regarding the quality of the spectacle due to the format change to 48 teams. So far, the tournament in North America has not disappointed, with only one match failing to produce a goal.
After 16 matches, the 2026 World Cup has recorded 46 goals, compared to 41 at the same stage during Qatar 2022. The only goalless draw was a surprise stalemate between Spain and Cape Verde, a match where the debutant African side held strong against the favorites.
Beyond the raw numbers, the tournament has provided quality entertainment. The 2-2 draw between the Netherlands and Japan was a standout match, while Haiti’s competitive display against Scotland showed that teams from various regions are ready to challenge traditional powers.
As the tournament progresses, the debut of several major nations is highly anticipated. France, Senegal, Norway, and Argentina are set to play on Tuesday, followed by Portugal, England, Croatia, and Colombia on Wednesday. The performance of teams like Iraq, Jordan, DR Congo, and Uzbekistan continues to generate positive sentiment regarding the expanded competition.