Which Asian country has scored the most World Cup goals? Here's the top 10 all-time list

Image Souce : comrade_petruha From pixabay

The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of international football, a global stage where nations clash and legacies are built. While Asia is not traditionally considered a football powerhouse compared to Europe or South America, several Asian countries have made their mark by scoring important goals in World Cup history.

From South Korea’s legendary semi-final run in 2002 to Japan’s consistently strong showings in recent tournaments, Asian nations have gradually become more competitive on the world stage. Goal-scoring is one of the most essential metrics of a team’s success in the World Cup, and it's an exciting way to compare how far each country has progressed.

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at the top Asian nations based on the total number of goals scored in World Cup history up until the 2022 Qatar World Cup. Some of these results may surprise you—especially when you see who’s still stuck at the bottom.

Let’s dive into the top 10 Asian goal-scorers in World Cup history and explore how each team achieved their tallies.

Asia's Top World Cup Scorers 🏆

• 1st South Korea – 39 goals
• 2nd Japan – 25 goals
• 3rd Saudi Arabia – 14 goals
• 4th Iran – 13 goals
• 5th North Korea – 6 goals
• 6th United Arab Emirates – 2 goals
• 7th Kuwait – 2 goals
• 8th Qatar – 1 goal
• 9th Iraq – 1 goal
• 10th Israel – 1 goal

![Israel’s single World Cup goal in 1970 reflects a historic moment in their football journey.](https://img.beautifulchart.com/contents/d382383d1f3f5f94b2f49a53bda27c60.webp "Israel’s single World Cup goal in 1970 reflects a historic moment in their football journey.|wiki|

10th Israel – 1 goal

Israel scored 1 goal during their only World Cup appearance in 1970. Their campaign ended in the group stage, but they managed to earn two draws and displayed commendable performances.

Their lone goal came in a 1-1 draw against Sweden, scored by Mordechai Spiegler—still one of Israel’s most iconic footballers. While political and geographical issues have limited Israel’s football opportunities in Asia, they remain active in UEFA competitions today.

![Iraq’s single World Cup goal in 1986 remains a proud symbol of their footballing spirit.](https://img.beautifulchart.com/contents/9ebbb6237df35c4fac376d986c7563bb.webp "Iraq’s single World Cup goal in 1986 remains a proud symbol of their footballing spirit.|wiki|

9th Iraq – 1 goal

Iraq has scored just 1 goal in World Cup history, coming during their only appearance in 1986. Despite being eliminated in the group stage, the team’s presence was a source of pride for a country facing turmoil at home.

Their lone goal was scored by Ahmed Radhi against Belgium. That goal remains a cherished memory among Iraqi fans, symbolizing the nation’s resilience and passion for football. Iraq has since come close to qualifying but has not yet returned to the World Cup stage.

![Qatar scored 1 goal in their 2022 debut as hosts, falling short despite extensive preparation.](https://img.beautifulchart.com/contents/88006b2e1b0459689413233c7034abf5.webp "Qatar scored 1 goal in their 2022 debut as hosts, falling short despite extensive preparation.|wiki|

8th Qatar – 1 goal

Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, scored just 1 goal in their debut appearance. Despite high hopes and home advantage, the team struggled in a competitive group, losing all three matches.

Their lone goal came in a 3-1 loss to Senegal, scored by Mohammed Muntari. While their performance was underwhelming, Qatar’s investment in football infrastructure and development, especially through the Aspire Academy, could yield better results in future tournaments.

![Kuwait scored 2 goals in their sole 1982 World Cup appearance, remembered for an unusual on-field controversy.](https://img.beautifulchart.com/contents/2147bea16e4e5f829a63a5934b07ddef.webp "Kuwait scored 2 goals in their sole 1982 World Cup appearance, remembered for an unusual on-field controversy.|wiki|

7th Kuwait – 2 goals

Kuwait has also scored 2 goals in the World Cup, both coming from their lone appearance in 1982. They managed a 1-1 draw against Czechoslovakia and showed moments of promise, though they failed to progress beyond the group stage.

Kuwait is perhaps most remembered for the controversial game against France, in which a goal was disallowed after a prince intervened from the stands. Although Kuwait has not returned to the World Cup since, their brief stint remains an important part of Asian football history.

Image Souce : Fars Media Corporation From wiki

6th United Arab Emirates – 2 goals

The United Arab Emirates has scored 2 goals in World Cup history, both during their sole appearance in 1990. Although they exited the group stage with three losses, they managed to score against top-tier teams like West Germany and Colombia.

The goals were scored by Khalid Ismail and Ali Thani, who remain celebrated figures in UAE football. Despite limited World Cup experience, the UAE continues to invest in football development, with hopes of returning to the tournament stage in the future.

Image Souce : Hugh Peterswald From wiki

5th North Korea – 6 goals

North Korea has scored 6 goals in their World Cup history, spread across two appearances—in 1966 and 2010. Their 1966 campaign remains legendary, as they reached the quarter-finals and famously defeated Italy 1-0 in one of the tournament’s biggest shocks.

They scored three goals in a losing effort against Portugal in the quarter-finals, eventually falling 5-3 despite a 3-0 lead. The 2010 return ended in heavy defeats, but the team's earlier success remains one of Asia’s proudest football moments. North Korea's goals symbolize a rare but impactful participation on the global stage.

Image Souce : khabaronline.ir From wiki

4th Iran – 13 goals

Iran has scored 13 goals across six World Cup appearances. While the Persian Stars have yet to advance past the group stage, they’ve consistently delivered spirited performances and narrow defeats against global heavyweights.

Their first World Cup victory came in 1998 against the United States—a politically and culturally significant match. Players like Ali Daei, Sardar Azmoun, and Mehdi Taremi have contributed to Iran’s goal tally. Despite their challenges, Iran remains a respected and competitive team in the Asian region with the potential to rise even higher.

Image Souce : Дмитрий Садовников From wiki

3rd Saudi Arabia – 14 goals

Saudi Arabia stands third with 14 goals in World Cup history. The Green Falcons have qualified for six tournaments, beginning with their debut in 1994, where they reached the Round of 16—a remarkable achievement for a debutant.

They’re remembered for Saeed Al-Owairan’s wonder goal against Belgium in 1994, a solo run often compared to Maradona's 1986 goal against England. Saudi Arabia’s recent victory over Argentina in the 2022 World Cup shocked the world and reaffirmed their growing football capabilities. With domestic investment in football rising, their goal count may continue to grow in future tournaments.

Image Souce : Fars Media Corporation From wiki

2nd Japan – 25 goals

Japan follows closely behind South Korea with 25 goals scored in World Cup history. Since their debut in 1998, the Samurai Blue have consistently qualified for the tournament and are known for their tactical discipline and technical finesse.

Memorable moments include their run to the Round of 16 in 2002, 2010, and 2018, and their thrilling 3-2 win over Belgium in the 2018 Round of 16—even though they eventually lost. Key goal-scorers for Japan include Keisuke Honda, Shinji Okazaki, and Takashi Inui. Japan’s progressive style and organized play have helped them become one of Asia’s most respected footballing nations.

Image Souce : ypa.ir From wiki

1st South Korea – 39 goals

South Korea leads Asia in total goals scored at the FIFA World Cup, with 39 goals to their name as of the 2022 tournament. The Taeguk Warriors have participated in 11 World Cup editions, with their most iconic performance coming in 2002 when they reached the semi-finals as co-hosts with Japan.

The team’s journey has been filled with dramatic moments, such as their historic win over Germany in 2018 and their consistent goal-scoring ability across various editions. South Korea's standout players over the years include Ahn Jung-hwan, Park Ji-sung, and more recently, Son Heung-min. Their combination of resilience, skill, and attacking prowess has made them Asia's top-performing team on football’s biggest stage.