World Cup 2026: Fastest World Cup to 100 goals in 68 years – does new format skew figures?

Mexico’s Julian Quinones opened the scoring in this World Cup in a 2-0 win over South Africa on 11 June.

The goals have continued to fly in since that opening match in Mexico City.

From Germany’s 7-1 rout of debutants Curacao in Houston on 14 June to Canada’s 6-0 hammering of Qatar in Vancouver four days later, there has been an avalanche of goals.

One of the reasons for so many goals could be the Adidas ‘Trionda’ ball used in matches.

It appears as though several goalkeepers have already been caught out by the flight of the ball.

That was evident earlier this week when France captain Kylian Mbappe scored his second goal of the game – and longest of the tournament – by beating Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy from 30 yards.

It was one of five strikes from the first round of fixtures that were scored from more than 22 yards out.

Two of those goals were scored by Sweden’s Yasin Ayari against Tunisia – from 24.8 yards and 24.3 yards respectively.

Goals from Australia’s Connor Metcalfe (25.6 yards against Tunisia) and Ismael Saibari (24.7 yards against Brazil) make up the top five.

Former England goalkeeper Joe Hart, speaking to BBC Sport, has suggested goalkeepers are struggling to get to grips with the ball.

Hart noticed the ball rushing Jordan Pickford quicker than expected when Martin Baturina equalised for Croatia against England on 17 June.

More than 10 goals have been scored from outside the penalty area, not to mention tap-ins after keepers have fumbled swerving shots.

“There are one or two occasions where this football has not necessarily behaved as you would expect it to,” former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson, who is working at the World Cup for BBC Sport, said. “It is something to keep an eye on.”

It isn’t the first time World Cup balls have caused problems. During the 2010 tournament in South Africa, the ‘Jabulani’ became well known for its swerve, dip and drift, which was thought to have contributed to several long-range goals.

At the time, England’s David James was one of several players to criticise the ball, saying it would “allow extra goals” and “make some goalkeepers look daft”.

“The ball is dreadful,” said James. “It’s horrible, but it’s horrible for everyone.”

By the end of that tournament, 26 out of the 145 goals scored were from outside the area.