Golden Boot Race 2026: Messi, Mbappé and Haaland Chase the Top Spot

As WFC 2026 heads into its final week, the race for the Golden Boot has narrowed to a genuine three-way contest between some of the biggest names in the sport.

Kylian Mbappé — 8 goals

France's captain finishes the tournament as the joint-top scorer despite his side's semi-final exit, having found the net in every knockout round including two penalties.

Lionel Messi — 8 goals

In what many expect to be his final World Cup appearance, Messi has been the driving force behind Argentina's run to the semi-finals, adding three assists on top of his goal tally.

Erling Haaland — 7 goals

Norway's talisman fell just short of the final four but leaves the tournament with a goal every game on average, including a crucial extra-time strike in the Round of 16.

With Argentina still alive in the semi-finals, Messi has at least two more matches to potentially pull clear at the top. Follow the live Golden Boot standings as the tournament reaches its climax.

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