Top five highest goal scorers in Hockey World Cup 2023 so far

These players have started their campaign on high and will look to stay on top at the end.

Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 is off to a great start with each team having played a match in their respective pools. Hosts India defeated Spain in their opening encounter (2-0) and drew the next game against England with both matches held in Rourkela, Odisha. Australia the tournament favourites decimated France (8-1) with John Hayward and Tom Craig scoring hattricks and currently lead the goal-scoring charts. 

Ansell Liam (4 goals)

Ansell Liam from England scored two field goals in the opening encounter against Wales in Pool D. Liam and Sam Ward along with drag-flicker Nick Bandurack form the core of the English team. England drew their second match against India and failed to capitalize on the chances created. England currently holds the top spot with a greater goal difference and the final matches of both England and India will decide the pool winner who gets a direct entry into the quarterfinals.

Tom Craig (4 goals)

Tom Craig scored three field goals and is one of the attackers to look forward to in the World Cup. He has been an integral part of the Australian team but has been frequently suffering from injuries. He played a vital role in the recently concluded test series against India and as expected start the mega event with a bang. Australia will want to book the top spot in pool A with the group winner reaching the quarter-finals directly.

Thierry Brinkmann (5 goals)

Thierry Brinkmann from the Netherlands has scored five goals (field goals - 4) and stands second in the field goals scored list along with Boon Tom of Belgium. Netherlands unlike the last time qualified directly to the quarterfinals having topped their pool and did not have much difficulty. Along with Brinkmann Janssen Jip too has scored five goals and plays on the defensive side.

Charlet Victor (6 goals)

Charlet Victor is leading the French team for the second consecutive World Cup and had a decent outing losing in the crossovers. France did not have a good time before the World Cup losing in the Nations Cup. Victor however stood up and led from the front scoring six goals (four from Penalty Corner and two from Penalty Stroke). France will now play the classification matches.

Boon Tom (6 goals)

Boon Tom from Belgium has scored goals until the quarter-finals out of which five are field goals ranking him second in the list of most field goals scored. The 33-year-old forward has represented Belgium on 300-plus occasions scored close to 130 goals and was a key member of the 2018 World Cup and 2020 Tokyo Olympics teams. The second-highest goal scorer for Belgium is Charlier Cedric with two goals.

Jeremy Hayward (7 goals)

Australia scored eight goals in their opening fixture against France with Jeremy Hayward scoring a hat-trick with all his goals coming through penalty corners. He also scored in the Kookaburras' 3-3 draw against Argentina. The 29-year-old is playing his third World Cup and has represented Australia 162 times scoring 70 goals apart from Hayward Australia also has Glovers in the mix who is also a PC expert. Jeremy's elder brother is currently representing New Zealand at the World Cup.

** Article last updated on January 27, 2023