A brace is the term for scoring two goals in one game. It is one step below a hat trick (three goals) and a common way for top strikers to demonstrate a dominant performance.
Where the Word Comes From
The term 'brace' has its origins in hunting — a brace originally referred to a pair of animals killed or caught in a single outing. It was adopted into soccer to describe a pair of goals, in the same way 'hat trick' was borrowed from cricket. Both terms reflect the sport's deep roots in English culture.
How Common Is It?
At the World Cup level, a brace is a strong individual performance. In the group stage, a 2-goal game from a forward often secures a result. At the knockout stages, a brace can single-handedly win a match and define a player's legacy at a tournament.
Broadcasters and commentators use 'brace' regularly during World Cup coverage. When you hear 'Mbappé with a brace' during the WC26 broadcast, it means Mbappé has scored two goals in that game.
