2026 World Cup: 10 Forwards Most Likely to Score a Hat-Trick
With the expansion to 48 teams, the gap between top teams and minnows widens in the group stage. Forwards will have more chances to pad their stats. Who is most likely to net three in a game? 👇
Europe’s elite strikers and South American prodigies are the top hat-trick candidates.
🇫🇷 1. Kylian Mbappé (France)
His World Cup final hat-trick in 2022 is already legendary. At his peak in 2026, scoring 3+ goals against weaker opponents is highly likely.
🏴 2. Harry Kane (England)
England’s all-time top scorer, always prolific in the group stage. Will be 36 in 2026, but his hold-up play and penalties remain elite.
🇦🇷 3. Julián Álvarez (Argentina)
Argentina’s attacking focal point after Messi’s retirement. Ghostly movement, already impressed in 2022 — could explode in 2026.
🇧🇷 4. Vinícius Jr. (Brazil)
Ballon d’Or level in 2024. The world’s best left-wing dribbler. Not a traditional No.9, but his cutting-in finishing is world-class.
🇳🇴 5. Erling Haaland (Norway)
If Norway qualify for 2026, Haaland will be the biggest hat-trick favorite. His 5-goal games in the Premier League speak for themselves.
🇵🇹 6. Gonçalo Ramos (Portugal)
Scored a hat-trick in the 2022 Round of 16, replacing Ronaldo in the starting XI. Will be Portugal’s absolute starter in 2026 with incredible efficiency.
🇳🇬 7. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Africa’s elite striker, elite physicality and poaching ability. Most likely to score a hat-trick against weaker defenses.
🇧🇪 8. Loïs Openda (Belgium)
Belgium’s new golden generation representative. Blazing speed. Will be Belgium’s main striker after Lukaku’s decline.
🇰🇷 9. Son Heung-min (South Korea)
Korea’s captain and counter-attacking specialist. Can score hat-tricks against high-pressing giants or weaker opponents.
🇺🇸 10. Folarin Balogun (USA)
USA’s starting striker, chose to represent the US in 2023. With home support, could explode in the group stage.
✅ 11. Betting Tips
👉 Mbappé and Haaland have the lowest hat-trick odds.
👉 Ramos and Osimhen offer the best hat-trick value.
👉 Watch for lopsided group matches: France vs minnows, Brazil vs minnows.