Top Goal Scorers in World Cup Qualifiers
Scoring goals in the qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup is one of the toughest challenges in international football. The level of competition, quality of defenses, and the pressure of representing one’s country all combine to make each goal an achievement of its own. Over the years, a handful of world-class forwards have consistently delivered for their nations, setting incredible records on the road to the World Cup.
This list highlights the players who have scored the most goals in world cup qualifiers, featuring verified statistics from official and reputable sources.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 39 Goals
Cristiano Ronaldo leads the list of all-time top scorers in European World Cup qualifiers with 39 goals, a record he shares globally with Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz. His achievement was confirmed in September 2025 when he netted twice against Luxembourg to match the world record.
Ronaldo’s goals span across multiple qualifying campaigns, showing both his longevity and consistency at the top level. From his early days in 2006 qualification to leading Portugal to multiple World Cups, Ronaldo’s name has become synonymous with reliability and excellence on the international stage.
2. Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 Goals
Guatemala’s Carlos Ruiz is the joint all-time record holder for the most goals scored in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, tied with Cristiano Ronaldo. His 39 goals came across several CONCACAF qualifying campaigns.
Read More
Ruiz’s prolific scoring helped put Guatemala on the football map, proving that elite striking ability can come from any corner of the world.
3. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 Goals
While not a European player, Lionel Messi’s record of 36 World Cup qualifying goals serves as a global benchmark for excellence. His consistency in CONMEBOL qualifiers against some of the toughest South American defenses highlights just how special his achievements are.
Including Messi offers context for Europe’s top scorers and underscores the global competition for World Cup qualification goals.
4. Ali Daei (Iran) – 35 Goals
Ali Daei, the Iranian legend, stands tall among the all-time World Cup qualifying scorers with approximately 35 goals. While he competed in the Asian (AFC) confederation, his inclusion provides perspective on how Europe’s top scorers compare globally.
Daei’s record emphasizes his importance in Asia’s football history, and his numbers long stood as a target for forwards worldwide before the modern era took over.
5. Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 32 Goals
Poland’s all-time top scorer, Robert Lewandowski, ranks second among Europeans with around 32 goals in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Known for his lethal finishing and intelligent positioning, Lewandowski has been the driving force behind Poland’s qualification runs in the past decade.
His consistent scoring form, both home and away, has helped Poland become a regular fixture at major tournaments. Even as he nears the latter part of his career, Lewandowski remains a critical figure for the Polish national team.
14. Erling Haaland (Norway) – 23 Goals
Norwegian sensation Erling Haaland has quickly climbed the ranks with 23 goals in World Cup and Euro qualifying matches combined, and 17 in World Cup qualifiers alone (as of 2025). His remarkable strike rate places him among the fastest players ever to reach such a total.
Despite Norway not always qualifying for major tournaments, Haaland’s scoring efficiency remains extraordinary. His physical power, finishing instinct, and positional awareness make him one of the most feared strikers in Europe. If Norway can sustain competitive form, Haaland could soon challenge the upper ranks of this list.
Read More
Why These Records Matter
Scoring in World Cup qualifiers is not just about individual brilliance, it’s about performing under immense pressure for one’s nation. Each of these players has delivered in crucial moments, often carrying the hopes of millions.
For Europe, the competitive environment makes these numbers particularly impressive. Nations like Portugal, Poland, and Norway face elite-level opponents in nearly every qualifying group. To excel consistently in such conditions takes extraordinary skill and mentality.
These records also serve as a reminder of how football’s global landscape continues to evolve. With younger players like Haaland closing in on veterans such as Ronaldo and Lewandowski, a new generation of stars is emerging in international football.
The European qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup have produced some of the finest goal scorers in football history. From Cristiano Ronaldo’s record-equalling 39 goals to Erling Haaland’s meteoric rise, these players represent different eras but share the same legacy, consistency, hunger, and world-class finishing.
As qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the race for records and glory is far from over. Fans across Europe and beyond will be watching to see who takes the crown as the ultimate goal scorer in World Cup qualifying history.
FAQs
Q1. Who has scored the most goals in European World Cup qualifiers?
A. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record with 39 goals, making him the top European and joint all-time scorer.
Q2. How many goals has Erling Haaland scored in World Cup qualifiers?
A. Erling Haaland has scored 17 goals in World Cup qualifiers for Norway as of 2025.
Q3. Which non-European players have scored the most in World Cup qualifiers?
A. Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) and Lionel Messi (Argentina) rank among the highest globally.
Q4. Has Robert Lewandowski ever been top scorer in a qualifying campaign?
A. Yes. Lewandowski topped the scoring charts in several UEFA qualifying rounds with Poland.
Q5. Can Haaland break Ronaldo’s record?
A. Given his age and current scoring rate, Haaland has a realistic chance to challenge Ronaldo’s record in future campaigns.
Also Read- Cape Verde Create History: The Blue Sharks Qualify For The FIFA World Cup For The First Time
