Brazil and Germany are the two highest-scoring nations in World Cup history and have traded top spot for years, and 888sport look at the most prolific nations at the tournament.
Both sit just above 230 career goals, with the lead changing hands across tournaments. Argentina, France and Italy form the next tier, while the Netherlands have the most goals of any nation never to win the trophy.
Most World Cup Goals By Country
- Brazil – 247
- Germany – 243
- Argentina – 166
- France – 152
- Italy – 128
- Spain – 117
- England – 115
- Netherlands – 107
- Uruguay – 92
- Hungary – 87
- Sweden – 87
- Belgium – 82
- Russia – 77
- Mexico – 72
- Serbia – 71
- Portugal – 69
- Switzerland – 64
- United States – 51
- Croatia – 49
- Poland – 49
- Slovakia – 49
- Czech Republic – 49
- Austria – 49
- South Korea – 41
- Chile – 40
Brazil vs Germany
Brazil and Germany are miles ahead of everyone else. Germany have reached eight finals. Brazil are five-time champions. It’s no surprise they have scored the most goals, with Germany having several massive victories along the way, and Brazil’s trademark flair often producing goals aplenty.
It’s been nip and tuck for years in this category. The leader for the most goals in World Cup history can swing from one tournament to the next. Germany are four goals behind with both teams knocked out of the 2026 World Cup, but they could easily leapfrog the Brazilians in 2030.
Germany have a marginally better goals per game rate than Brazil with 2.09 to 2.08.
Chasing Pack
Argentina, France, and Italy won’t be catching the top two any time soon. The closest of the three, Argentina are 77 goals behind second-placed Germany. France are a further 14 behind the Argentines, and Italy sit on 128.
The Italians have failed to qualify for the last three World Cups and didn’t make it out of the group stage in 2010 or 2014. They have lost considerable ground in this statistical category as a result, with France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, and Germany all adding to their tallies in that period.
Most Goals Without a Title
The Netherlands have the unwanted tag of being the highest-scoring nation to never win a World Cup. Three-time runners-up, the Oranje have averaged 1.8 goals per match at the World Cup.
Hungary have only appeared in nine World Cups, yet they also warrant recognition here. The Mighty Magyars have averaged 2.72 goals per World Cup match, largely powered by their prolific teams in 1938 and 1954.
Sweden are tied with Hungary on 87 World Cup goals. They are tied for the second-most goals without a title.
Where England Rank
England scored their 100th World Cup goal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Only six teams have scored more goals than the Three Lions. Of those six, four have played in more World Cups than England.
Interestingly, only four of the teams with more goals scored have won more matches. France and Spain trail England in that category.
FAQs
Which country has scored the most World Cup goals?
Brazil and Germany hold the top two spots and have swapped the lead repeatedly, with the five-time winners maintaining their status at the top following the 2026 tournament.
Which country has scored the most goals without winning the World Cup?
The Netherlands, with just over 100 goals and no title.
How many World Cup goals have England scored?
England passed 100 career World Cup goals at Qatar 2022.
