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Hat-trick hero & Swiss wonderkid - World Cup duo set for Premier League?
TL;DR
The World Cup has seen 89 goals in 28 matches, including two hat-tricks. This performance raises questions about whether standout players will transfer to the Premier League.
Key points
- 89 goals scored in 28 World Cup matches
- Two hat-tricks recorded in the tournament
- World Cup serves as a platform for player transfers
- Hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States
Figure caption,
Canada six-goal win over Qatar marred by serious injury
There is no bigger shop window in football than the World Cup - and goalscorers are certainly taking their chance to shine.
The goals are flying in at the tournament - 89 in 28 games in Mexico, Canada and the United States to date, while there have been two wonderful hat-tricks.
Could some of those goalscorers move to the Premier League soon?
After Lionel Messi, 38, turned back the clock to produce a masterclass for the ages in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria, Jonathan David also hit a treble in Canada's 6-0 rout of Qatar in Group B.
It earned the co-hosts a first win at the eighth attempt on the World Cup stage as more than 50,000 fans in Vancouver witnessed an historic night.
David's exploits came after Switzerland substitute Johan Manzambi wrote his name into the World Cup history books.
Aged 20 years and 247 days, he became the youngest player in the tournament's history to score two or more goals in a game as a substitute as Switzerland dismantled Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1, also in Group B.
Over the years, players have earned moves based on performances at the World Cup.
Both David and Manzambi have been linked with moves to the Premier League.
Are their scoring exploits likely to lead to a move to England in 2026-27?
First Juventus player to score World Cup hat-trick for 44 years
Italy's absence from this World Cup - and the two before it - has been well documented but at least David gave Juventus fans something to cheer about.
David, 26, became the first Juve player to record a hat-trick at the World Cup since Italy's Paolo Rossi in 1982 against Brazil.
The Brooklyn-born forward has made a name for himself in Europe playing for Gent in Belgium before turning into a Ligue 1 goalscoring machine at Lille - and attracting interest from Premier League clubs.
After 87 goals in 178 league appearances, he moved to Juventus in 2025 and is being monitored by English clubs once more.
There are reports that Newcastle are interested, external in Canada's all-time leading scorer - who has 39 goals in 78 international appearances - and that Juventus would be willing to let him go to free up their summer budget.
Leeds United, external have reportedly also been made aware of his availability, while several other Premier League clubs have also been linked.
Q&A
Which players scored hat-tricks in the World Cup?
Two players have scored hat-tricks during the World Cup tournament.
How many goals have been scored in the World Cup so far?
There have been 89 goals scored in 28 matches of the World Cup.
What impact does the World Cup have on player transfers?
The World Cup serves as a major platform for players to showcase their talent, often leading to transfers to leagues like the Premier League.
Which countries are hosting the World Cup?
The World Cup is being hosted by Mexico, Canada, and the United States.
