The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has released the official list of the all-time top scorers in FIFA World Cup qualifiers, highlighting some of football’s greatest marksmen. The publication comes amid the ongoing qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The list reflects decades of thrilling goals, remarkable consistency, and standout performances by players who have etched their names into football history. While global icons such as Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi feature prominently, it is Guatemala’s legendary striker Carlos Ruiz who leads the rankings with an extraordinary record.
Carlos Ruiz Tops the List
Carlos Ruiz, a former captain of the Guatemalan national team, occupies the number one position as the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Over the course of his career, Ruiz netted an incredible 39 goals in 47 appearances, a feat that remains unmatched to this day.
Nicknamed “El Pescadito” (The Little Fish), Ruiz was renowned for his clinical finishing, leadership on the pitch, and ability to carry the hopes of his nation almost single-handedly. Although Guatemala has never qualified for a FIFA World Cup finals, Ruiz’s exploits in qualifiers earned him global respect, proving that even players from smaller footballing nations can achieve legendary status.
Cristiano Ronaldo Close Behind
Sitting just one goal behind Ruiz is Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, who has scored 38 goals in 48 World Cup qualifying appearances. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Ronaldo’s longevity and consistency have been remarkable.
As Portugal continues its journey towards the 2026 World Cup, Ronaldo still has the opportunity to overtake Ruiz and claim the top spot outright. His ability to remain a decisive force well into his late 30s demonstrates his unique professionalism, fitness, and hunger for success.
Lionel Messi Among the Elite
Argentina’s captain and World Cup-winning icon Lionel Messi also finds himself high on the list, having scored 36 goals in 72 appearances during qualifiers. Known for his extraordinary dribbling, vision, and finishing, Messi has been the driving force for Argentina across multiple qualifying campaigns.
His presence in the top three underlines not only his dominance at club level but also his immense impact on the international stage. Messi’s ability to consistently deliver for his country, even in the grueling South American qualifiers, remains one of his greatest career achievements.
Other Notable Legends
Beyond Ruiz, Ronaldo, and Messi, the FIFA list includes an impressive lineup of strikers who made their mark in qualification campaigns across the years.
- Ali Daei (Iran): Scored 35 goals in 51 games, once holding the world record for most international goals before Ronaldo surpassed him.
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland): The Bayern Munich and Barcelona legend tallied 32 goals in 41 appearances, leading Poland through multiple campaigns with his clinical style.
- Chris Wood (New Zealand): With 29 goals in 31 qualifiers, Wood is among the most efficient scorers in the competition’s history.
- Sardar Azmoun (Iran): Notched 29 goals in 41 qualifiers, continuing Iran’s tradition of prolific forwards.
- Luis Suárez (Uruguay): The fiery striker scored 29 goals in 64 appearances, combining grit with world-class finishing.
- Karim Bagheri (Iran) and Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina): Both legends with 28 goals each, who consistently carried their nations’ hopes.
- Kazuyoshi Miura (Japan): Famously known as “King Kazu,” he scored 27 goals in 25 appearances, making him one of the most iconic Asian footballers.
- Ali Mabkhout (United Arab Emirates): An active player with 26 goals in 33 qualifiers, still chasing records.
The list also includes names like Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine), Tim Cahill (Australia), Carlos Pavón (Honduras), Mehdi Taremi (Iran), Jared Borgetti (Mexico), Son Heung-min (South Korea), Marcelo Martins (Bolivia), and Paolo Wanchope (Costa Rica) — all of whom have been talismanic figures for their nations.
The Full FIFA Top Scorers List in World Cup Qualifiers
- Carlos Ruiz (Guatemala) – 39 goals in 47 appearances
- Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) – 38 goals in 48
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 36 goals in 72
- Ali Daei (Iran) – 35 goals in 51
- Robert Lewandowski (Poland) – 32 goals in 41
- Chris Wood (New Zealand) – 29 goals in 31
- Sardar Azmoun (Iran) – 29 goals in 41
- Luis Suárez (Uruguay) – 29 goals in 64
- Karim Bagheri (Iran) – 28 goals in 29
- Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina) – 28 goals in 40
- Kazuyoshi Miura (Japan) – 27 goals in 25
- Ali Mabkhout (UAE) – 26 goals in 33
- Andriy Shevchenko (Ukraine) – 26 goals in 40
- Tim Cahill (Australia) – 25 goals in 37
- Carlos Pavón (Honduras) – 25 goals in 37
- Mehdi Taremi (Iran) – 24 goals in 44
- Jared Borgetti (Mexico) – 23 goals in 24
- Son Heung-min (South Korea) – 23 goals in 47
- Marcelo Martins (Bolivia) – 22 goals in 64
- Paolo Wanchope (Costa Rica) – 21 goals in 37
The Importance of the Record
The publication of this list serves as a reminder of the extraordinary dedication required to succeed at the international level. World Cup qualifiers are among the most competitive and demanding fixtures in football, with players often traveling long distances, facing diverse climates, and competing under immense pressure.
For strikers to consistently deliver goals across multiple campaigns is a testament to their skill, fitness, and mental strength. It also reflects the pivotal role they play in their countries’ hopes of reaching football’s biggest stage.
Africa’s Place in the Story
While the current top scorers are predominantly from Europe, South America, and Asia, African strikers have also left their mark in past campaigns. Players like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Asamoah Gyan were once prolific scorers in qualifiers, inspiring millions of fans across the continent. With ongoing qualifiers for the 2026 edition, Africa’s new generation of stars will be hoping to climb the charts and establish themselves among the global elite.
Looking Ahead
As the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, all eyes will be on whether Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi can further climb the rankings. With both still active, Ruiz’s long-standing record may finally be challenged.
Football fans worldwide will also be watching to see which emerging stars join the ranks of these legendary goal scorers. The list is not only a record of past achievements but also an open door for the next generation to create history.
