Gabriel Martinelli’s 95th-minute goal against Japan on June 29, 2026, secured Brazil’s spot in the World Cup last 16 while setting a new record for the latest winning goal in normal time of the knockout stages since 1966. According to official tournament data, this strike surpassed the previous record held by Italy’s Francesco Totti, who scored at 94:26 against Australia in 2006.
How Arsenal’s World Cup presence is reshaping historical records
The impact of Arsenal players at the 2026 World Cup has extended beyond individual moments of brilliance. Martinelli’s late winner marks him as only the second Gunner to score a last-minute winner in a World Cup match, joining Dennis Bergkamp, who netted for the Netherlands against Argentina in 1998.
Before Martinelli’s goal, the latest winning goal in normal time at the knockout stages was Francesco Totti’s for Italy against Australia in the 2006 tournament, timed at 94:26.
Which clubs are leading the way in 2026?
Arsenal currently sits among the top clubs for goalscoring diversity at this summer’s tournament. With four different players finding the net—Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard, Martinelli, and Kai Havertz—the club has already equaled its historical record for the most scorers at a single edition of the competition, previously set in 2006 by Thierry Henry, Freddie Ljungberg, Philippe Senderos, and Robin van Persie.
While Arsenal boasts four scorers, they currently trail Paris Saint-Germain, who lead with seven, and Sunderland, who have five, according to tournament statistics.
Are Gunners setting new standards for playmaking?
The club has officially set a new club-high for assists at a single World Cup. Gabriel’s delivery for Casemiro’s goal against Japan marked the fifth Gunner to provide an assist in this tournament, surpassing the previous club high of four set at France 98. The current list of creative contributors includes Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres, and Gabriel.
Combined goal contributions
When measuring total goal involvement (goals plus assists), Arsenal players have recorded 15 contributions. This places the club behind only Real Madrid (19) and Liverpool (18) in the current rankings.
Saka has the chance to move to the top of our all-time scorers at the World Cup should he net just once in these finals.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the latest goal ever scored in a World Cup knockout match?
As of June 2026, Gabriel Martinelli’s goal at 95:00 is the latest winning goal in normal time on record. - How many Arsenal players have scored at the 2026 World Cup?
Four players—Viktor Gyokeres, Leandro Trossard, Gabriel Martinelli, and Kai Havertz—have scored so far. - Who holds the record for most goal contributions at the 2026 World Cup?
Real Madrid leads all clubs with 19 combined goals and assists.
Which Arsenal player do you think will make the biggest impact in the remaining rounds? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates from North America.
