Four Debutants Have Already Scored Braces at This FIFA World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is already producing remarkable storylines. Just a few days into the tournament, four players have marked their World Cup debuts with a brace, joining an exclusive list that includes some of the biggest names in international football.
The opening stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered no shortage of memorable moments, and one of the most impressive trends has come from the tournament’s goalscorers. As the first round of matches unfolds, four players have managed to score twice in their World Cup debut, an achievement that has historically been reserved for elite company.
The latest names to accomplish the feat are Erling Haaland with Norway, Elijah Just with New Zealand, Folarin Balogun with the United States, and Yasin Ayari with Sweden. Each played a crucial role in helping their respective teams make a strong start to their World Cup campaigns.
Haaland Headlines a New Generation of World Cup Stars
Among the four, Erling Haaland naturally commands much of the attention. The prolific striker finally made his World Cup debut and immediately showcased the finishing ability that has made him one of the most feared forwards in world football. His two goals in Norway’s victory over Iraq underlined his importance to the Scandinavian side.
However, the Norwegian star was not alone. Folarin Balogun delivered a standout performance for the United States, while Yasin Ayari helped inspire Sweden to an emphatic opening victory. Meanwhile, Elijah Just enjoyed a historic evening for New Zealand, becoming one of the tournament’s early surprise performers.
Joining an Exclusive List of World Cup Goalscorers
What makes this accomplishment even more impressive is the company these players now keep. At the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Bukayo Saka, Ferran Torres, and Richarlison all scored braces in their tournament debuts. Four years earlier in Russia, Harry Kane and Denis Cheryshev achieved the same feat.
The list also features global stars such as Neymar, Karim Benzema, and Mario Mandzukic, who all opened their World Cup accounts with two goals in 2014. Going further back, Omar Bravo joined the group during the 2006 tournament.
While much of the spotlight continues to focus on superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Cristiano Ronaldo, these four debutants have already carved out their own place in World Cup history. If their current form continues, they could become some of the defining figures of a tournament that is already delivering unforgettable moments.
