2026 World Cup Top Scorers: Updated Golden Boot Standings for Messi, Mbappe and Others

The group stage of the 2026 World Cup has concluded, bringing the knockout rounds into focus. Some of the world’s best goal scorers have already made their mark, with familiar names topping the charts. Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe remain at the summit, while Erling Haaland is not far behind.

Top Goal Scorers after France vs. Morocco (July 9)

Pre-tournament odds placed Kylian Mbappe as the slight favorite, closely followed by England's Harry Kane, according to DraftKings Sportsbook. Norway’s Erling Haaland isn’t expected to reach the late stages as often as France or England, but his impressive international scoring rate of 55 goals in 50 games keeps him in contention.

Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal, slated to lead as central striker, also ranks ahead of veterans like Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo in betting despite their long World Cup careers.

2022 World Cup Golden Boot Recap

Kylian Mbappe made history by becoming the first man since Geoff Hurst in 1966 to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final. He scored three goals against Argentina, including a penalty in the shootout, although France ultimately lost the final in a dramatic 3-3 draw that went to penalties.

Mbappe claimed the Golden Boot with 8 goals, building on his four-goal performance in 2018 when France won the tournament.

Top Scorers from 2022

Twenty-two men's World Cup tournaments have produced 22 different top scorers. Not always the biggest stars emerge as the highest scorers, but some legendary names appear on the list.

Golden Boot Winners Who Also Won the World Cup

Out of 22 editions, only three times did the player winning the Golden Boot also lift the World Cup trophy. In 1978, Mario Kempes led Argentina to victory, scoring twice in the final. Italy’s Paolo Rossi repeated this feat in 1982, scoring in the final as Italy won. Brazil's Ronaldo matched this in 2002, netting both goals in the final against Germany.

All-Time Top World Cup Goal Scorers

Lionel Messi entered 2026 trailing Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 goals by three. He matched that with a hat trick against Algeria in his first game and surpassed it against Austria, setting a new record with 19 World Cup goals.