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Another round of qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is in the books, and across the planet, different stories are being written. In Europe, the big boys have continued their march toward North America, with Spain, England, and France all extending their perfect starts. But perhaps the biggest story of the most recent round comes from Africa.
The Archipelago nation, Cape Verde, became the third team to secure a maiden World Cup qualification after a 3-3 draw against Libya and a 3-0 demolition job at home to Eswatini ensured top spot in Group D ahead of heavyweights Cameroon. The Tubarões Azuis lost just one of their ten qualifiers, winning seven, to punch their tickets to North America, following in the footsteps of the Asian duo Uzbekistan and Jordan, who will also venture onto the grandest stage for the first time next summer.
So far in qualifying, we have seen goals aplenty from all corners of the globe. But which prolific hitmen have hit the most of them? And will they be enough to secure their nation’s spot at the World Cup, or will they ultimately count for naught? Here are the top scorers in World Cup qualifying so far.
Erling Haaland
It should come as no surprise that Norway’s talisman, Erling Haaland, has been in and among the goals, 12 of them to be precise. However, what should come as a shock is just how few games the powerhouse striker has scored in. Norway have played just six qualifiers so far, winning all of them, primarily thanks to the blistering strike rate of their behemoth up top. Haaland is currently firing at a rate of two goals per game, and his total haul is almost certain to increase with two qualifiers still to come.
The 25-year-old has been in scintillating form all year long, both with his country and with club Manchester City. Haaland has netted 12 goals in just nine games for the Blues, prompting bookies to slash odds on him reclaiming the Golden Boot award down to 2/7. Punters who backed the Norwegian to win the coveted award at even money in preseason now have a tantalizing opportunity on their hands and the perfect betting tool to help them.
The popular arbitrage calculator betting tool at Thunderpick allows punters the opportunity to work out exactly how much they need to place on numerous selections in the same market to guarantee a win. With the additional value afforded to punters courtesy of odds on Haaland shortening, they can now place bets on selections such as Mohamed Salah (16/1) and Viktor Gyokeres (10/1) with the calculator determining exactly how much punters need to put down to cover more bases.
Haaland’s backers may prefer to simply plow on and keep faith in the Norwegian, though, rather than backing others. His 12 goals so far are a herculean effort, and more will certainly come both at the Etihad and internationally. But he isn’t the only striker to hit that goals tally in World Cup qualifying thus far…
Almoez Ali
Qatari striker Almoez Ali has also hit a mighty 12 goals over the Asian qualifying section, albeit with his haul coming in 11 games as opposed to just six. Still, averaging less than 90 minutes per goal is every striker’s dream.
Qatar famously hosted the most recent World Cup back in 2022, securing its first appearance at the storied tournament in the process. Unfortunately for them, their journey would end in the group stage after suffering losses to Ecuador, the Netherlands, and Senegal, and it doesn’t seem likely that they will feature next summer.
They scraped into the AFC qualifying playoffs after finishing fourth in Group A behind Iran, Uzbekistan, and the UAE. Now, they have to find a way past both the UAE and Oman if they are to secure qualification for a second straight World Cup. IF Ali can add to his goal haul, perhaps that dream will become a reality, no matter how improbable it seems.
Mehdi Taremi
Former Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi has shone for Iran, helping himself to ten goals in qualifying, aiding his nation to a fourth straight appearance at the World Cup. Team Melli lost just one of their 16 qualifiers, winning 11, and Taremi’s goals were crucial to that. The current Olympiacos striker netted an important brace against Uzbekistan, which ultimately secured his side’s top spot in Group A, while a blistering hat trick against lowly Hong Kong was also a highlight.
Iran came within a whisker of reaching the knockout stages for the first time back in 2022. Their shock 2-0 triumph against Wales meant that all they needed to do was avoid defeat against the United States to progress. Instead, they lost 1-0 and bowed out. Now, they are poised to head to America with the Stars and Stripes hosting, and the Iranians will almost certainly be on the hunt for revenge.
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