The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot is heading into its final chapter, with only a handful of players still in contention for the tournament’s top scorer award.
As the FIFA World Cup reaches its final weekend, Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé sit atop the scoring charts with eight goals each. However, England stars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain within striking distance, while Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal could also make a late push.
With only the semifinal between England and Argentina, the third-place match, and the World Cup final remaining, every goal could determine who takes home one of the tournament’s most prestigious individual honors.
2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot standings
| Rank | Player | Country | Goals | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 | Still alive |
| 1 | Kylian Mbappé | France | 8 | Still alive |
| 3 | Erling Haaland | Norway | 7 | Eliminated |
| 4 | Harry Kane | England | 6 | Still alive |
| 4 | Jude Bellingham | England | 6 | Still alive |
| 6 | Ousmane Dembélé | France | 5 | Still alive |
| 6 | Mikel Oyarzabal | Spain | 5 | Still alive |
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé lead the race
Argentina captain Lionel Messi and France captain Kylian Mbappé have each scored eight goals during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, putting them in pole position for the Golden Boot.
Messi still has at least one match remaining, whether Argentina advances to the World Cup final or falls into the third-place playoff. Mbappé, meanwhile, will have one final opportunity to add to his tally in France’s third-place match after Les Bleus were eliminated by Spain in the semifinals.
England duo still has a chance
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham enter England’s semifinal against Argentina with six goals apiece.
A multi-goal performance could put either player level with—or ahead of—the tournament leaders. England is guaranteed one more match regardless of the semifinal result, giving both players another opportunity to challenge for the Golden Boot.
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal remains in contention
Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal has quietly climbed into the Golden Boot race with five goals.
After helping Spain reach the World Cup final, Oyarzabal still has one match remaining. While he trails the leaders by three goals, a standout performance in the championship match could see him finish among the tournament’s top scorers.
Players no longer in the Golden Boot race
Several players finished impressive tournaments but have already been eliminated, ending their chances of winning the Golden Boot.
Among them are:
- Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 4 goals
- Julián Quiñones (Mexico) – 4 goals
- Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal) – 4 goals
Who is favored to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot?
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé currently share the lead with eight goals, making them the favorites heading into the tournament’s final matches.
However, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Mikel Oyarzabal still have opportunities to close the gap. With the World Cup semifinals, third-place match, and final still to be played, the Golden Boot race remains one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines.
FAQ
Who is leading the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race?
Lionel Messi of Argentina and Kylian Mbappé of France currently lead the Golden Boot standings with eight goals each.
Can Harry Kane still win the Golden Boot?
Yes. Kane has six goals and is still in contention with England guaranteed one remaining match after the semifinal against Argentina.
Is Erling Haaland still eligible to win the Golden Boot?
No. Haaland finished the tournament with seven goals after Norway was eliminated in the quarterfinals.
When will the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot winner be decided?
The Golden Boot winner will be determined after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final on July 19, with goals from the remaining matches counting toward the final standings.