Germany surpass Brazil to become top scorers in World Cup history

Four-time world champions Germany have etched their name in World Cup history by surpassing Brazil as the highest-scoring team in the tournament's history. During their emphatic 7-1 victory over tournament debutants Curacao in Houston on Sunday, Germany netted seven goals to take their all-time tally to 239, one more than Brazil's 238 .

The record-breaking moment came as part of a revitalised German side under coach Julian Nagelsmann, who had suffered a group-stage exit at the 2022 Qatar World Cup but have now made a stunning return to form in the 2026 edition .

Germany's 7-1 demolition of Curacao marked the fourth time in their history that they have scored seven or more goals in a World Cup match, a feat they have now achieved in 2002 against Saudi Arabia, 2006 against Ecuador, and famously in 2014 against Brazil in the semi-finals .

With their place in the knockout stages all but secured, Germany are now looking to end their 12-year wait for a World Cup title, having last won the tournament in Brazil in 2014 .

All-time top scoring nations in World Cup history

Germany – 239 goals
Brazil – 238 goals
Argentina – 152 goals
France – 136 goals
Italy – 128 goals