Most goals by USMNT in a single World Cup: Americans break all-time record before conclusion of group stage

Three games into the 2026 World Cup, the USMNT already has scaled heights it has never before reached in the famous competition.

The Americans have been one of this year's tournaments' most swash-buckling sides, producing goals in bunches. With their latest score, Mauricio Pochettino's side climbed to the top of the federation's charts in terms of goal-scoring prowess.

With that, here's a look at the highest-scoring World Cup campaigns in USMNT history.

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Most goals by USMNT in a single World Cup

Record-breaking goal

Sebastian Berhalter scored the record-breaking goal, connecting sweetly with a bouncing ball before slotting it beyond the outstretched arm of Turkish goalkeeper Ugurcan Cakir.

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Most goals by a USMNT player in a single World Cup

Bert Patenaude holds the record for most goals scored in a single World Cup, tallying four during the inaugural 1930 World Cup. Three of those scores came in the U.S.'s 3-0 win over Paraguay. Patenaude was the tournament's third highest-scorer, falling behind Argentine Guillermo Stabile (eight) and Uruguay's Pedro Cea (five).

Patenaude's performance proved vital to the Americans' efforts. Fueled by Patenaude, the USMNT claimed a third-place finish at the 1930 World Cup, its best result in tournament history.

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Who does the United States play next?

The U.S. will take on Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Round of 32. The match will take place at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on July 1.