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

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has produced a high-scoring tournament after all 48 nations completed their first two matches, with only four of those games ending goalless. Three of those 0-0 draws featured notable upsets, as Cape Verde, Curaçao, and Iran held Spain, Ecuador, and Belgium respectively, while England drew 0-0 with Ghana. The tournament is on pace to be the most prolific for goals since the 1970 World Cup, with stars like Messi and Mbappé among the key contributors.