World Cup 2026: 1,248 players and a Golden Boot race heating up

The World Cup 2026 is played out across a staggering 1,248 players – every squad member detailed in an interactive guide from the Guardian. Among them, the race for the Golden Boot is already intensifying. Vinicius Jr has emerged as a rival to Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe in the contest for the top scorer's honour. The Standard reports that the battle is “heating up with every game”. Three of the tournament's most electrifying forwards now occupy centre stage, each capable of seizing the prize. With so many players on the pitch, the margin between glory and also-ran could be a single finish. Who will outlast the other? The next round of matches will draw the lines sharper.