The race to be the World Cup’s top scorer in 2026 already has a familiar look: three former Golden Boot winners are taking part in the tournament, each hoping to add another prize to their collection. Kylian Mbappé of France, who scored eight goals in the 2022 edition, leads the contingent of past winners, alongside England’s Harry Kane, who netted six in 2018, and Colombia’s James Rodríguez, also on six from 2014.
The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who scores the most goals in the tournament, with assists used as a tie-breaker if two or more players finish level. Mbappé and Kane are among the pre-tournament favourites to finish top scorer in North America, according to a live tracker that updates throughout the competition. They are joined in the favourites list by Norway’s Erling Haaland – making his World Cup debut – and Argentina’s Lionel Messi.
“Three former Golden Boot winners, including Mbappé and Kane, lead the early race for World Cup top scorer.”
The early race for the top scorers honour is heating up with every game, as Harry Kane rivals Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland for the accolade. With the tournament still in its early stages, all eyes will be on these stars as they chase the Golden Boot.