FIFA has released the updated list of all-time top goalscorers in World Cup qualifiers, coinciding with the ongoing qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament.
Guatemalan legend Carlos Ruiz tops the chart with 39 goals in 47 appearances, making him the most prolific scorer in the history of World Cup qualifiers. He sits above global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who also feature prominently on the list.
All-Time Top Goalscorers in World Cup Qualifiers
Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals in 47 appearances
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 38 goals in 48
Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals in 72
Ali Daei (Iran) – 35 goals in 51
Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 32 goals in 41
Chris Wood (New Zealand) – 29 goals in 31
Sardar Azmoun (Iran) – 29 goals in 41
Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – 29 goals in 64
Karim Bagheri (Iran) – 28 goals in 29
Edin Džeko (Bosnia & Herzegovina) – 28 goals in 40
Kazuyoshi Miura (Japan) – 27 goals in 25
Ali Mabkhout (UAE) – 26 goals in 33
Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine) – 26 goals in 40
Tim Cahill (Australia) – 25 goals in 37
Carlos Pavón (Honduras) – 25 goals in 37
Mehdi Taremi (Iran) – 24 goals in 44
Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 23 goals in 24
Son Heung-min (South Korea) – 23 goals in 47
Marcelo Martins (Bolivia) – 22 goals in 64
Paolo Wanchope (Costa Rica) – 21 goals in 37
This ranking highlights the incredible consistency of players across different continents, with legends from Asia, Europe, South America, and beyond leaving their mark in World Cup qualification history.
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