The World Cup is Getting Closer
As the World Cup approaches, teams are finalizing their rosters and focusing on their attacking options. While defense often plays a crucial role in winning major tournaments, having a reliable goal-scorer can be the difference between victory and defeat. With the final warm-up matches and qualifiers coming to an end, we’ve analyzed the striking options for the five top favorites and ranked them based on goals scored in their respective leagues this season.
5. Argentina – 32 Goals
Four years after their success, Argentina has maintained a similar forward line with some minor changes. Julian Alvarez has emerged as one of the best number 9s globally, though he has only managed eight goals in 29 La Liga matches this year. Lionel Messi, who has been playing centrally more often for his club side, scored 29 MLS goals last season and has four so far this year.
Lautaro Martinez, who missed the recent international break due to a calf injury, will be back for the summer after scoring 14 goals in Serie A, making him the top scorer in the league. Jose Lopez of Palmeiras is also likely to be included, having scored three goals in eight league matches this season.
A potential fifth option could be Giuliano Simeone, who has three Liga goals in 26 matches this campaign. However, Joaquín Panichelli, who was expected to be the future of the Argentina front line, suffered an ACL tear and will miss the tournament.
4. Brazil – 42 Goals
Brazil’s forward line has shown improvement in recent years, even if it doesn’t match the heights of the late ’90s and early 2000s. Igor Thiago has been a standout performer, scoring 19 Premier League goals this season, which is second only to Erling Haaland. Joao Pedro, who has settled into life at Chelsea, has 14 goals in 31 matches.
Matheus Cunha, who can play centrally, has seven goals in 28 league matches for Manchester United. Teenager Endrick, primarily a winger, can also fill in centrally, having scored three Ligue 1 goals in nine matches since moving to Lyon. Richarlison, despite not being in the most recent squad, should make the summer tournament, having scored nine goals in 26 Premier League games this year.
3. Spain – 43 Goals
Spain may not have a strong generation of number 9s, but they have a solid midfield that has historically carried the team. Mikel Oyarzabal, the Real Sociedad captain, has scored 12 goals in 26 Liga matches and is the preferred choice for this tournament. Borja Iglesias earned a call-up for his 11 goals in 26 league matches, while Ferran Torres has an identical record.
Victor Munoz, a highly rated youngster, has only scored five league goals for Osasuna this season, and Ander Barrenetxea has three goals in 23 league matches but is more suited to playing on the wing.
2. France – 50 Goals
France is well-stacked when it comes to attacking options. Kylian Mbappe, who has been used centrally since moving to Real Madrid, has scored 23 goals in as many league games this season. Hugo Ekitike, who has been a bright spark since joining Liverpool, is the Reds’ top scorer with 11 goals this season.
Marcus Thuram, the most natural number 9 choice, has seven goals in 23 Serie A matches. Ousmane Dembele, the reigning Ballon d’Or holder, has eight goals in 16 Ligue 1 matches. Randal Kolo Muani, however, has only managed one Premier League goal in 23 matches this year.
1. England – 59 Goals
If England is to win the trophy for the first time in 60 years, Harry Kane will need to be on the pitch. The captain leads the European Golden Boot race with 31 goals. However, behind him, options are limited. Ollie Watkins’ form has dipped, with just nine Premier League goals this year.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who had a resurgence at Leeds, has 10 Premier League goals this season. Dominic Solanke remains an option but has played just 12 league games and scored three times. Marcus Rashford may be moved centrally, but he is more effective outside. Anthony Gordon, with six league goals this year, could be deployed in the number 9 role if Kane is absent.
