When it comes to international football, the FIFA World Cup is the biggest stage. But before the final tournament, players must prove themselves in the qualifiers. Some strikers have turned these qualification campaigns into personal goal-scoring shows, bagging goals at a rate that has stunned fans worldwide. In this article, we will see Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers history.
Here are the Top 10 Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers History :
10. Karim Bagheri – IR Iran (28 Goals)
Kicking off the list of Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers is Karim Bagheri, a legendary Iranian midfielder. What makes his record truly special is that he was not even a forward. Despite playing in a deeper role, Bagheri managed to score 28 goals in just 29 games, almost averaging a goal per match. His most remarkable campaign came in the 1998 qualifiers, where he netted a jaw-dropping 19 goals in just 13 matches, helping Iran secure their place on the global stage.
Bagheri’s contribution to Iran’s footballing history cannot be overstated. His powerful long-range shots and ability to arrive late in the box made him a constant threat. While his later campaigns saw fewer goals, his 0.97 goals-per-game average remains one of the highest in qualifier history. For a midfielder to feature among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Bagheri’s legacy is nothing short of extraordinary.
9. Edin Džeko – Bosnia and Herzegovina (29 Goals)
Edin Džeko stands tall as one of Bosnia and Herzegovina’s greatest players, and his performances in the qualifiers make him one of the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers. With 29 goals in 41 games, Džeko showed consistency across multiple campaigns. His best run came in 2014 when he scored 10 goals in just 10 games, leading Bosnia and Herzegovina to their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
Known for his aerial dominance and clinical finishing, Džeko was the kind of striker who thrived under pressure. His goals weren’t just about numbers; they often came when his team needed them most. Even in his later years, he remained reliable, scoring four goals in four games in the 2026 qualifiers. Among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Džeko’s achievements have given Bosnia and Herzegovina a place on the footballing map.
8. Luis Suárez – Uruguay (29 Goals)
Luis Suárez, one of the most recognizable names in world football, also features among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers with 29 goals in 64 games. His relentless drive, sharp movement, and ability to score from almost impossible angles made him a constant nightmare for defenders. Suárez’s most productive campaign came in the 2014 qualifiers, where he struck 11 goals in just 16 games.
What sets Suárez apart is not just the goals but the passion and fight he brought to Uruguay. His partnership with Edinson Cavani made Uruguay one of the most feared South American teams during the qualifiers. While his scoring rate dipped later in his career, he still ranks high among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, proving that consistency and determination can make a difference in long campaigns.
7. Sardar Azmoun – IR Iran (29 Goals)
Another Iranian forward on the list, Sardar Azmoun, has quickly carved out his name among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers. With 29 goals in 41 games, Azmoun became the focal point of Iran’s attack in the modern era. His standout campaign was in 2018, where he scored 11 goals in just 14 games, guiding Iran to another successful World Cup qualification.
Azmoun’s style of play is all about intelligent positioning and clinical finishing. Whether inside the box or on counterattacks, he has been a reliable goal-scorer for Team Melli. His consistency across the 2018 and 2022 qualifiers underlines his importance. Being among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Azmoun continues the proud tradition of Iranian forwards dominating the Asian qualifiers.
6. Chris Wood – New Zealand (29 Goals)
Chris Wood may not play for one of the biggest footballing nations, but his record in the qualifiers makes him one of the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers. With 29 goals in just 31 games, Wood has a remarkable average of 0.94 goals per game. His most stunning performance came in the 2026 qualifiers, where he scored nine goals in just five matches, almost single-handedly carrying New Zealand’s hopes.
As a powerful forward with excellent aerial ability, Wood has been New Zealand’s most reliable attacking weapon for more than a decade. Despite playing in a weaker confederation with fewer opportunities to shine, his consistency has earned him recognition worldwide. Among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Wood’s numbers prove that even players from smaller footballing nations can make history.
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5. Robert Lewandowski – Poland (32 Goals)
Robert Lewandowski, one of the deadliest strikers in world football, finds himself among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers with 32 goals in 41 games. His standout campaign came in 2018, where he scored 16 goals in just 10 games, a record that highlighted his elite finishing ability. His 2022 run was also impressive, with nine goals in nine matches.
Lewandowski’s influence on Poland’s qualification campaigns has been immense. Known for his precision, work rate, and versatility, he has consistently delivered when his country needed him. As one of the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Lewandowski’s legacy extends beyond club football, proving his class at the international level as well.
4. Ali Daei – IR Iran (35 Goals)
Ali Daei, once the world’s all-time leading international scorer, also ranks among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers with 35 goals in 51 matches. Known for his heading ability and intelligent movement, Daei was the heart of Iran’s attack for more than a decade. His standout campaign came in 2002, where he scored 10 goals in 13 games.
What makes Daei’s record special is his longevity. From the 1994 qualifiers to 2006, he consistently delivered goals, scoring in every qualification campaign he played. His record of nine goals in 10 games in the 2006 qualifiers was particularly impressive. Among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Daei remains a symbol of excellence and dominance in Asian football.
3. Lionel Messi – Argentina (36 Goals)
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest players in football history, also finds his place among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers. With 36 goals in 72 matches, Messi’s average may not match some others on this list, but his importance to Argentina has always been unmatched. His best campaign came in 2014, where he scored 10 goals in 14 games to help Argentina qualify comfortably.
Messi’s evolution from a playmaker to a goal-scorer has been evident in the qualifiers. His performances in the 2026 campaign, where he scored eight goals in 12 matches, highlighted his ability to deliver even late in his career. Being among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Messi has not just been about numbers but about moments of magic that lifted Argentina when it mattered most.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal (39 Goals)
Cristiano Ronaldo stands second among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers with 39 goals in 49 games. Known for his incredible fitness, determination, and eye for goal, Ronaldo’s standout performance came during the 2018 qualifiers, where he netted 15 goals in just nine games. He also showed remarkable longevity, scoring three goals in just two matches in the 2026 qualifiers at the age of 41.
Ronaldo’s ability to deliver in qualifiers has often carried Portugal through tricky campaigns. Whether playing as a winger or a forward, his adaptability and hunger for goals made him unstoppable. Among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Ronaldo’s mix of volume and consistency ensures his place in football history as one of the greatest.
1. Carlos Ruiz – Guatemala (39 Goals)
At the very top of the list of Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers is Carlos Ruiz, the Guatemalan legend. Ruiz scored 39 goals in just 47 games, averaging an incredible 0.83 goals per game. His consistency across different campaigns was unmatched, with standout performances like the 2018 qualifiers, where he scored nine goals in just 10 games.
What makes Ruiz’s record extraordinary is that he achieved it while playing for a nation that has never qualified for a World Cup. Despite Guatemala’s struggles, Ruiz kept delivering, scoring against stronger teams and carrying his country on his back. Among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers, Ruiz stands as the ultimate example of how individual brilliance can shine, even without the biggest platform.
FAQs
Q1: Who is the all-time leader among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers?
Carlos Ruiz of Guatemala leads the list with 39 goals in 47 matches, making him the top scorer in qualifier history.
Q2: Which midfielder ranks among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers?
Iran’s Karim Bagheri, with 28 goals in 29 matches, is the only midfielder to feature in the top 10 list.
Q3: Who scored the most goals in a single FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign?
Robert Lewandowski scored 16 goals in the 2018 qualifiers, making it one of the best single-campaign tallies among the Highest Goals Scorers in FIFA World Cup Qualifers.
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