Scorers' Cup: Harry Kane surpasses Pelé in World Cup goals

Harry Kane reached another significant milestone in the 2026 World Cup. With the two goals scored in England's victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo, in the round of 32 stage, the striker reached 13 goals in World Cups and surpassed Pelé on the list of the greatest scorers in the history of the competition.

The English number 9 now occupies sixth place in the rankings alongside Frenchman Just Fontaine, both with 13 goals. Pelé, three-time world champion with the Brazilian team, appears right behind, with 12.

Kane built his career among the top scorers in the World Cups over three editions of the tournament. In 2018, in Russia, he finished as the competition's top scorer with six goals. Four years later, in Qatar, he scored twice again. In the 2026 edition, he found the net five times so far: two goals against Croatia, one against Panama and two more against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Despite the rise in the rankings, the Englishman is still far from the top. The leader is Lionel Messi, with 19 goals, followed by Kylian Mbappé, who has 18. German Miroslav Klose, top scorer in World Cup history for many years, appears in third, with 16, while Ronaldo Fenômeno occupies fourth place, with 15. Gerd Müller rounds out the top 5, with 14.

With England still in contention for the title, Kane will have new opportunities to expand his numbers and continue climbing the list of the greatest scorers in the history of the World Cup.

Ranking of the greatest scorers in the history of World Cups:

- Lionel Messi - 19 goals
- Kylian Mbappé - 18 goals
- Miroslav Klose - 16 goals
- Ronaldo - 15 goals
- Gerd Müller - 14 goals
- Just Fontaine - 13 goals
- Harry Kane - 13 goals
- Pelé - 12 goals
- Sándor Kocsis - 11 goals
- Jürgen Klinsmann - 11 goals

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Source: CNN