Top five favourites to win Golden Boot at FIFA World Cup 2026

Many forwards will be eyeing the Golden Boot trophy!

The Golden Boot is awarded to the World Cup’s top goal scorer, with assists serving as a tiebreaker if two or more players finish tied. The 2026 tournament features three prior Golden Boot winners: France’s Kylian Mbappé (eight goals in 2022), England’s Harry Kane (six goals in 2018), and Colombia’s James Rodríguez (six goals in 2014).

Mbappé and Kane are among the pre-tournament favourites to be FIFA World Cup 2026 top scorers, along with Norway’s Erling Haaland, who is making his World Cup debut.

List of five players who can win Golden Boot at FIFA World Cup 2026

Rank	Player
5	Cristiano Ronaldo
4	Lionel Messi
3	Erling Haaland
2	Kylian Mbappe
1	Harry Kane

5. Cristiano Ronaldo

At 41 years old, it would be an incredible feat if Cristiano Ronaldo topped the scoring charts at the World Cup, but this is a player who should never be underestimated.

He continues to score regularly for his side, scoring 28 goals in 30 games during the most recent Saudi Pro League season. He also scored five goals for Portugal during the qualifying for this summer’s competition.

Also Read: Top five nations to never win FIFA World Cup 

4. Lionel Messi

Lionel Messi, one of the best players of all time, has amassed an impressive collection of trophies over his storied career. However, he does not have a World Cup Golden Boot in his cabinet.

He scored seven goals at Qatar 2022, but Kylian Mbappe won the top scorer award after a hat-trick in the final. He scored eight goals during qualification, including a hat trick against Bolivia. Can he surprise the world again this summer?

3. Erling Haaland

Erling Haaland led the Premier League scoring charts last season, with 27 goals in 35 regular-season games for Manchester City. His goal-scoring ability in club football is undeniable, but it is now time for the Norwegian to demonstrate his abilities at the highest level of international football.

Haaland’s prospects of winning the Golden Boot this summer are likely to be determined by how long Norway stay in the competition. They will play some challenging opponents in a group that includes France, Senegal, and Iraq.

Also Read: Top five players who can win Golden Ball at FIFA World Cup 2026

2. Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe’s exploits in the 2022 World Cup final were insufficient to guarantee France’s triumph against Argentina, but his hat-trick at Lusail Stadium increased his goal-scoring record to eight for the tournament, earning the Real Madrid player the best scorer accolade.

Les Bleus are anticipated to fight for the title again, and a strong performance in the tournament will help Mbappe become the first player to win the Golden Boot more than once.

If the Frenchman scores five goals in North America this summer, he will overtake Miroslav Klose as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.

1. Harry Kane

Harry Kane’s scoring record is undeniable: World Cup 2018 Golden Boot winner with six goals, Euro 2024 Golden Boot winner, and three-time Premier League Golden Boot winner.

He comes into this competition after a great season at Bayern Munich, scoring 61 goals in 51 games. His efforts earned him the Golden Shoe as the top goal scorer in the European leagues. Kane will be desperate to continue this form into the summer, when he captains England under Thomas Tuchel.

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