Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé scripted an unprecedented World Cup history

France’s Kylian Mbappe (left), Argentina’s Lionel Messi (center) and Norway’s Erling Haaland. (AP photo) The 2026 FIFA World Cup has already delivered jaw-dropping excitement, memorable performances and unforgettable goals, but the tournament has now brought a points milestone unlike anything we’ve seen before. For the first time in FIFA World Cup history, three different players have scored seven or more goals in the same edition of the tournament, with Erling Haaland, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé all on seven goals.The remarkable feat turned the Golden Boot race into one of the defining storylines of the tournament, where three of football’s biggest stars battle for individual glory while leading their respective nations deep into the knockout stages.

Haaland’s late double sealed Norway’s historic triumph

Haaland joined the exclusive club in spectacular fashion after inspiring Norway to a famous 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil in the last 16 on Sunday. The Manchester City forward, who was largely quiet for most of the game, came alive when it mattered most.After talking to coach Ståle Solbakken during a second-half hydration break, Haaland responded emphatically. He headed home Andreas Schjelderup’s cross to give Norway the lead in the 79th minute before adding another goal late in stoppage time to complete a sensational match and secure his country’s first-ever World Cup quarter-final.Schjelderup, who assisted both goals, celebrated both times by jumping onto Haaland’s back as Norway pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the tournament.

Three modern giants in the battle for the Golden Boot

Haaland’s doppelgänger scored seven goals to go level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France forward Kylian Mbappé at the top of the scoring charts.The milestone has special significance as it is the first time in World Cup history that three different players have reached the seven-goal mark in the same tournament. It also features a fascinating battle between three players representing different generations of footballing excellence.Messi continues to cement his legendary status with another outstanding World Cup campaign, while Mbappé has once again underlined his reputation as one of the deadliest players at major tournaments. Haaland, meanwhile, made his mark on the biggest international stage in his first World Cup, leading unheralded Norway to the round of 16.

The quarter-finals promise an exciting finish

Although all three stars are level on seven goals, Mbappé currently holds the lead in the Golden Boot standings thanks to his two assists, the first tiebreaker of the tournament.Haaland’s latest brace also extended his remarkable run to 14 consecutive competitive internationals with a goal. The prolific striker has now scored 27 goals during this run and boasts an amazing 62 goals in just 54 appearances for Norway.