Is this the best World Cup ever? Based on all available evidence, it might harder to argue that it's not.

The 2026 edition of the World Cup is well underway, and the world's best are back out on the pitch for another chase at the trophy. Throughout history, a handful of players have separated themselves from the rest of the pack as top goalscorers in the tournament.

As you can see, Klose — who is now 48 — played and scored at the 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014 editions of the World Cup. It was in the last of those tournaments, which Germany won, that he became the competition's outright all-time top scorer when he struck his 16th goal, in the semi-final against Brazil.

Here are the best of the best from the first set of match days at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Many of the big names stepped up in the tournament’s opening matches.

Kylian Mbappé may be one of the top players in the World Cup (and in the world), but he says Messi is the "clear" best player in the tournament.

Scotland are out of the 2026 World Cup as they are unable to finish the group stage as one of the eight best third-placed teams.

Out of a tough group, the harsh reality is that this may have been Scotland’s best chance at a deep World Cup run