2026 World Cup Golden Boot Standings: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland and Top Scorers
The group stage has wrapped up at the 2026 World Cup, bringing intense knockout matches into focus. Among the leading scorers, Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi once again dominate the charts, with Erling Haaland not far behind.
Notable Contenders and Their Stats
Several players have scored three goals each, including Deniz Undav (Germany), Romelu Lukaku (Canada and Belgium), and Charles De Ketelaere (Belgium). Penalty goals factor into some tallies, such as those by Harry Kane and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Pre-Tournament Golden Boot Favorites
The top two previous Golden Boot winners, Mbappe and Harry Kane, led the 2026 betting odds at DraftKings Sportsbook. Norway’s Haaland, despite lower team expectations, remains a strong contender due to his prolific scoring record internationally.
Recap: 2022 World Cup Golden Boot
Kylian Mbappe made history as the first player since 1966 to net a hat-trick in a World Cup final, scoring three times against Argentina. He also scored in the penalty shootout, although France fell short. That tournament marked his second Golden Boot after a four-goal debut in 2018.
History of World Cup Golden Boot Winners
Across 22 men's World Cups, 22 different players have claimed the Golden Boot. Many were not the biggest stars but seized the moment to shine.
Golden Boot Winners Who Also Lifted the World Cup
Only three players have won both the Golden Boot and the World Cup in the same year: Mario Kempes (1978), Paolo Rossi (1982), and Ronaldo (2002). Each had key roles in their team's title runs, scoring crucial goals including in finals.
Top All-Time World Cup Goal Scorers
Lionel Messi now leads with 19 World Cup goals after surpassing Miroslav Klose's record of 16 early in the 2026 tournament. He tied the mark with a hat trick versus Algeria and then passed it against Austria.
