Top 5 goalscorers in World Cup qualifiers history

With World Cup qualifying now underway across all continents, nations around the globe are battling to secure their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Many star players will be crucial in leading their teams toward qualification — and some are also chasing personal milestones along the way.

Among them are Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who both have their eyes on a major record in World Cup qualifying history. Messi, with 36 goals in qualifiers, is just four short of surpassing the all-time leader Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala, who holds the record with 39. Meanwhile, Ronaldo has already drawn level at the top of the scoring charts, putting him on the brink of yet another historic achievement in his legendary career.

5. Robert Lewandowski (Poland): 32 in 41 appearances

Robert Lewandowski is one of only five players in history to have scored 100 or more goals for three different clubs — a testament to his incredible consistency and world-class talent. Widely regarded as one of the best strikers in modern football, Lewandowski has been a key figure for both club and country throughout his career.

A full international for Poland since 2008, he has earned 160 caps and holds the record as the nation’s all-time top scorer with 86 goals. He also leads Poland in goals scored during World Cup qualifying campaigns. Off the pitch, his achievements have been recognized time and again — he’s been named Polish Footballer of the Year a record 12 times and has won the Polish Sports Personality of the Year award three times.

4. Ali Daei (Iran): 35 in 51 appearances

Ali Daei is widely regarded as one of the greatest Asian footballers and among the finest players in Iran’s history. Known for his strength, aerial ability, and precise heading, Daei was a prolific goal scorer throughout his career.

On the international stage, he remains the all-time leading Asian men’s goal scorer. With 109 goals for Iran, he held the world record for the most international goals for many years — a record that stood until Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo eventually surpassed him. Daei also holds the record for the most goals scored in World Cup qualifiers, further cementing his legacy as a true legend of the game.

3. Lionel Messi (Argentina): 36 in 72 appearances

Lionel Messi has now scored 36 goals in World Cup qualifying after netting a brace in Argentina’s 3–0 win over Venezuela. The Argentine captain is closing in on yet another major milestone in his legendary career.

However, after Cristiano Ronaldo’s recent brace in the same qualifying campaign, Messi won’t be the first player to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualifiers. To make matters more uncertain, Messi is reportedly doubtful for Argentina’s next and final 2026 World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador.

2. Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala): 39 goals in 47 appearances

Ruiz is widely regarded as one of the greatest strikers in Guatemala’s football history. Throughout his career, he set numerous records with the national team, including becoming the top scorer in World Cup qualifying matches. Representing Guatemala from 1998 to 2016, he also served as team captain and holds the record for the most appearances for his country.

Over his international career, Ruiz took part in five World Cup qualifying campaigns. In September 2016, he made history by becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup qualification with 39 goals — an incredible achievement, even though Guatemala never managed to qualify for the tournament.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal): 41 in 51 appearances

Cristiano Ronaldo set yet another record after scoring twice against Hungary, becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup qualifiers.

Despite Portugal being held to a draw, the 40-year-old once again showed why he remains one of football’s greatest, netting both of his team’s goals and proving that age is just a number.

Ronaldo’s brace moves him past Carlos Ruiz to claim the top spot on the all-time scoring list. It was a night of redemption for the Portuguese captain, who bounced back in style after missing a penalty against Ireland in the previous match.

Cover Credits - BBC