Germany hit 239 to overtake Brazil on World Cup scoring list

Germany climbed to the top of the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring charts after thrashing Curacao 7-1 in their opening match of the 2026 tournament on Sunday.

Heading into the World Cup, Brazil held the record with 237 goals, while Germany were five behind on 232. Julian Nagelsmann's side needed a prolific start to leapfrog the five-time champions, and they delivered emphatically, taking their tally to 239 goals in World Cup history. Brazil now sit second on 238, while Argentina are a distant third with 152.

Germany's latest 7-1 triumph carries a striking historical echo. Twelve years ago, they inflicted one of the most devastating defeats in football history by humiliating hosts Brazil 7-1 in the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup on their way to lifting the trophy.

Against tournament debutants Curacao, Felix Nmecha gave Germany the perfect start by scoring after just six minutes — the fastest goal of the 2026 World Cup so far. The Caribbean side stunned the favourites when Livano Comenencia equalised in the 21st minute, netting Curacao's first-ever World Cup goal and briefly silencing the 68,021 spectators.

Germany quickly regained control. Nico Schlotterbeck restored their lead in the 38th minute before Kai Havertz converted from the penalty spot on the stroke of half-time to make it 3-1.

Jamal Musiala, Nathaniel Brown and Deniz Undav added to the tally after the break, while Havertz grabbed his second of the evening to complete a commanding victory for the four-time world champions.

The result was historic for Curacao as well. The island nation became the smallest country by both population and land area ever to appear at a World Cup finals, while veteran Dutchman Dick Advocaat, aged 78, set a new record as the oldest coach in the tournament's history. Their supporters celebrated until the final whistle on a night few had imagined possible.

Germany have now scored 239 goals in 113 World Cup matches across 21 tournaments. Brazil, who have played 115 matches in 23 editions, remain within touching distance and could reclaim top spot when they face Haiti in their second Group E match. The Seleção opened their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Morocco, with Vinicius Junior scoring their only goal, before a final group-stage clash against Scotland.

Germany continue their Group E campaign against Ivory Coast on Saturday before rounding off the first round against Ecuador.