The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA, has already altered the record books. Two teenagers, Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye and Spain’s Lamine Yamal, entered the top 10 youngest goalscorers list, traditionally dominated by Pelé for 68 years.
Mbaye scored against France at just 18 years and 143 days old, becoming the fourth youngest scorer in history and the youngest African player to achieve this milestone. Yamal followed, entering the list at eighth place after scoring in a match against Saudi Arabia at 18 years and 343 days.
Pelé’s record, set in 1958 when he was 17 years and 239 days old, remains unmatched. The updated top five youngest goalscorers now includes:
- Pelé - 17 years, 239 days
- Manuel Rosas (Mexico) - 18 years, 93 days
- Gavi (Spain) - 18 years, 110 days
- Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) - 18 years, 143 days
- Michael Owen (England) - 18 years, 190 days
This tournament marks a shift in football talent, with three of the top five youngest scores recorded in the last four years, highlighting a new generation of players making their mark on this prestigious stage.