Scoring three goals in a FIFA World Cup match is something very few players ever experience. The pressure, the quality of opposition, and the importance of every game make hat-tricks incredibly rare on football’s biggest stage. Over the years, though, a few stars have produced unforgettable performances that fans still remember long after the tournaments ended.
From FIFA World Cup finals to dominant group-stage displays, these are the last 10 hat-tricks scored at the FIFA World Cup.
Which FIFA World Cup hat-trick stands out the most?
Kylian Mbappe – France vs Argentina, 2022 Final
Mbappe delivered one of the greatest performances ever seen in a World Cup final. France looked beaten for long stretches against Argentina before the forward suddenly changed the game on his own. He scored twice in quick succession and later completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in extra time. France still lost the final on penalties, but Mbappe’s display instantly became part of World Cup history.
Goncalo Ramos – Portugal vs Switzerland, 2022 Round of 16
Not many players announce themselves at a World Cup the way Ramos did in Qatar. Starting ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo in the knockout stage, the young striker played without fear and finished clinically throughout Portugal’s 6-1 win over Switzerland. It was a breakthrough moment that quickly made headlines around the world.
Will we see anyone score a hat trick in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and join the list? pic.twitter.com/IrOPzZYA6x
— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) May 8, 2026
Harry Kane – England vs Panama, 2018 Group Stage
England had not seen a World Cup hat-trick in decades before Kane stepped up in Russia. Some of the goals may not have been spectacular, but the striker was in exactly the right place whenever his team needed him. The three-goal performance helped England cruise past Panama and pushed Kane toward winning the Golden Boot.
Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal vs Spain, 2018 Group Stage
Ronaldo’s performance against Spain remains one of the standout moments from the 2018 tournament. Portugal needed something special to avoid defeat, and their captain delivered exactly that. His late free-kick to complete the hat-trick was struck perfectly and left fans stunned as the match ended 3-3.
Xherdan Shaqiri – Switzerland vs Honduras, 2014 Group Stage
Switzerland needed a win to keep their tournament alive, and Shaqiri took control from the start. His movement and powerful shooting caused Honduras problems all game, and his hat-trick secured Switzerland’s place in the knockout rounds.
Thomas Muller – Germany vs Portugal, 2014 Group Stage
Germany started the 2014 World Cup in dominant fashion, and Muller was at the centre of it all. His hat-trick against Portugal showed the sharp finishing and intelligent positioning that defined his international career. Germany eventually went on to win the tournament in Brazil.
Gonzalo Higuain – Argentina vs South Korea, 2010 Group Stage
Higuain was in outstanding form during Argentina’s run in South Africa. Against South Korea, he found space inside the box repeatedly and punished every mistake. The striker’s hat-trick helped Argentina comfortably secure all three points.
Pauleta – Portugal vs Poland, 2002 Group Stage
Before Portugal’s golden generation fully arrived, Pauleta was already delivering big performances for the national team. His hat-trick against Poland remains one of the best individual displays by a Portuguese striker at the World Cup.
Miroslav Klose – Germany vs Saudi Arabia, 2002 Group Stage
Klose’s FIFA World Cup story started in unforgettable fashion. The German forward scored three headers against Saudi Arabia and immediately showed why he would become such a dangerous striker in international football. Years later, he finished as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.
Gabriel Batistuta – Argentina vs Jamaica, 1998 Group Stage
Batistuta was already one of the most feared forwards in world football by 1998, and Jamaica had no answer for him. The Argentine striker completed a brilliant hat-trick in a comfortable 5-0 victory and added another memorable chapter to his FIFA World Cup career.
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