Mbappe tops World Cup 2026 shots chart as Messi, Haaland and Kane chase

French captain Kylian Mbappe is leading all players for shots on target at the 2026 World Cup, registering 19 efforts on goal so far, according to statistics provider Squawka.

The Paris-born forward sits just ahead of Argentina icon Lionel Messi, who has 18 shots on target, in a ranking that underlines how established stars continue to dominate attacking output at this tournament.

Norway’s Erling Haaland is third with 13 efforts on goal, while England striker Harry Kane is in fourth place on 12.

Star forwards dominate World Cup shooting statistics

The Squawka data shows a familiar cast of elite forwards at the top of the list.

Mbappe, who is aiming to reclaim the World Cup after France’s defeat in the 2022 final, has been the most persistent threat to goalkeepers so far, hitting the target 19 times. Messi, spearheading Argentina’s title defence, is close behind on 18, maintaining his reputation as one of the game’s most accurate finishers.

Haaland, leading Norway at a World Cup for the first time, has translated his prolific club form to the global stage with 13 shots on target.

Kane, England’s all-time leading goalscorer, follows in fourth with 12 accurate attempts, underlining his central role in Gareth Southgate’s attack.

Vinicius, Oyarzabal and Bellingham locked together

Three players share the next positions in the table. Brazil’s Vinicius Junior, Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal and England midfielder Jude Bellingham are all tied between fifth and seventh place with 11 shots on target each.

Their presence highlights the spread of attacking responsibility across different positions and playing styles, from Vinicius’ wing play to Bellingham’s late runs from midfield.

Behind them, Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal sits eighth with 10 shots on target, an impressive return for one of the youngest players at the tournament.

Ronaldo still a threat as new generation emerges

Portugal legend Cristiano Ronaldo remains inside the top 10, taking ninth place with nine shots on target. Even in the later stages of his career, the 39-year-old continues to test goalkeepers regularly on the biggest stage.

France’s Desire Doue completes the top 10 with eight efforts on target, signalling the emergence of another attacking talent for Les Bleus.

Top 10 players for shots on target at World Cup 2026

According to Squawka, the leading players for shots on target at World Cup 2026 so far are:

1. Kylian Mbappe (France) 19 shots on target
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) 18 shots on target
3. Erling Haaland (Norway) 13 shots on target
4. Harry Kane (England) 12 shots on target
5. Vinicius Junior (Brazil) 11 shots on target
6. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) 11 shots on target
7. Jude Bellingham (England) 11 shots on target
8. Lamine Yamal (Spain) 10 shots on target
9. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) 9 shots on target
10. Desire Doue (France) 8 shots on target

These figures feed into wider assessments such as “best young player in the tournament” debates and FIFA-style power rankings that consider attacking output, creativity and defensive contribution across the competition.