Another factor behind the goal surge is that many of the big names have turned up and hit the ground running.
Lionel Messi hit a hat-trick against Algeria, Kylian Mbappe fired a double against Senegal, while Vinicius Jr has scored in each of Brazil’s two games.
Erling Haaland, who won the 2025-26 Premier League Golden Boot for his 27 goals for Manchester City, also scored a double in Norway’s 4-1 win against Iraq, as did England captain Harry Kane in the victory over Croatia.
“We have seen so many times at either World Cups or Euros that top players have not been fully fit after a tough season, which is exactly what happened to Harry Kane two years ago at Euro 2024,” added Frank.
“But he and other key players like Lionel Messi and Erling Haaland are all flying and couldn’t look fitter.”
Speaking to BBC Sport, former Manchester City defender Micah Richards said: “The forward players at this World Cup look so confident.
“It’s like they all believe they are going to score and everyone is backing themselves. It’s become less about tactics and more about the feel-good factor of being at a World Cup.”
