World Cup 2026: Goals are flowing at the fastest pace in 68 years

The 2026 World Cup became the fastest World Cup to reach 100 goals since 1958, with the feat achieved in the 33rd match.

Liverpool striker Cody Jacobo scored the Netherlands’ third goal in their 5-1 win over Sweden on Saturday.

This is the first time in 68 years that 100 goals have been reached in just 33 matches.

The only tournament faster was in Switzerland in 1954, won by West Germany, where the feat was reached in just 20 matches.

Elaine White, who won the 2022 European Championship with England, told BBC Sport: “The Netherlands-Japan match was perhaps the most tight and tactically cohesive match I have seen so far, and even that match saw only four goals.”

In the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, it took 36 matches to reach 100 goals, which is the same number in the 1982 World Cup.

In the 1978 World Cup in Argentina, the tournament reached 100 goals in 38 matches, and the same was true for the 1994 edition in the United States.

This World Cup, hosted by the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, is witnessing an average of 3.09 goals per match, and is on its way to exceeding the 300-goal mark.

So why did it only take 33 games to reach 100 goals?

Do goalkeepers have difficulty handling the ball?

One of the reasons for this huge number of goals may be the use of the Adidas Triunda ball in matches.

It seems that many goalkeepers have fallen victim to the path of the ball.

This was clearly demonstrated earlier this week when France captain Kylian Mbappé scored his second goal of the match, and the farthest of the tournament, past Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from 30 yards.

This goal was one of five goals scored from more than 22 yards in the first round matches.

Joe Hart, the former England goalkeeper, speaking to BBC Sport, pointed out that goalkeepers have difficulty controlling the ball.

This is not the first time World Cup balls have caused problems. During the 2010 tournament in South Africa, the Jabulani ball was known for its deflection and oscillation, which is believed to have contributed to several long-range goals.