What a run it has been for the world’s best finisher. The latest Sofascore graphic shows just how loud seven goals can be on the world stage. Erling Haaland’s haul of 7 would have been enough to win the Golden Boot in 10 of the last 15 World Cups. In today’s company, though, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé keep pushing the ceiling.

Seven that travel across World Cups

Seven sounds simple. It isn’t. According to the visual, that tally would top the scoring charts in two-thirds of recent World Cups. Only a handful of editions needed more. In other words, Haaland’s current output sits at a Golden Boot pace by historical standards, even if the modern bar has been nudged higher by era-defining scorers.

How many will it take next time?

The chart ends with a question mark next to 2026, which feels about right. History says seven can win it. Recent tournaments suggest the race might require more. Either way, the world’s best finisher will fancy the chase, even with Messi and Mbappé setting a fierce pace.