Messi and Harry Kane Share an Incredible World Cup Penalty Record
Harry Kane once again showed his composure from the penalty spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, with his goal against Croatia, matched Lionel Messi in a statistic reserved for only a handful of players in tournament history.
Harry Kane once again showed his composure from the penalty spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, with his goal against Croatia, matched Lionel Messi in a statistic reserved for only a handful of players in tournament history.
In fact, only Cristiano Ronaldo could still join them during this World Cup.
Messi and Kane: The Kings of World Cup Penalties
With his successful penalty against Croatia in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the England striker reached six penalties taken in World Cup history, a mark shared only with Lionel Messi.
According to statistics expert MisterChip, the record excludes penalty shootouts after extra time.
Kane has converted five of his six attempts, with the only miss going wide of the target.
Messi, meanwhile, has scored four penalties, while two of his attempts were saved by opposing goalkeepers.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains within striking distance, having taken four penalties at FIFA World Cups, meaning he could still match the record during the 2026 edition.
Players with the Most Penalties Taken in World Cup History
- Lionel Messi: 6 (4 goals, 2 saved)
- Harry Kane: 6 (5 goals, 1 missed wide)
- Eusébio: 4 (4 goals)
- Rob Rensenbrink: 4 (4 goals)
- Gabriel Batistuta: 4 (4 goals)
- Cristiano Ronaldo: 4 (3 goals, 1 saved)
- Asamoah Gyan: 4 (2 goals, 1 hit the post and 1 hit the crossbar)
Cristiano Ronaldo Still Has a Chance
While Messi and Kane currently top the list, Cristiano Ronaldo could still join them before the end of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Portuguese star has taken four penalties in World Cup matches and would need two more attempts to equal the record shared by Messi and Kane.
At a tournament where football's biggest names continue to make history, penalty kicks remain one of the ultimate tests of nerve, leadership and the ability to perform under immense pressure.
