The 2026 FIFA World Cup is barely into its knockout stages and has already smashed the previous tournament’s goal record. A staggering 177 goals have been scored so far, surpassing the 2022 Qatar edition’s total in fewer matches. Argentina sits atop the scoring charts, powered in no small part by Lionel Messi, who has netted 8 goals and shares the Golden Boot race with France’s Kylian Mbappé.
For a tournament hosted across three countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the on-pitch product has been electric. What hasn’t been electric: crypto’s presence anywhere near the conversation.
A record-breaking tournament by the numbers
The 2026 edition is the first World Cup to feature 48 teams, making it the largest in the tournament’s history. More teams means more matches, which naturally creates more opportunities for goals. But the 177-goal tally isn’t just a function of volume. The rate of scoring has outpaced 2022 on a per-match basis.
Where crypto went missing
