The Golden Boot race at the 2026 World Cup is heating up, with live updates throughout the tournament tracking the top goalscorers. The award is given to the player with the most goals, with assists used as a tie-breaker if two or more players finish level.
Former Winners and Favourites
Three previous Golden Boot winners are competing in 2026: Kylian Mbappé of France (eight goals in 2022), England's Harry Kane (six goals in 2018), and James Rodríguez of Colombia (six goals in 2014). Mbappé and Kane are among the pre-tournament favourites, alongside Norway's Erling Haaland (making his World Cup debut) and Argentina's Lionel Messi.
Other contenders include Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal and Lamine Yamal, Brazil's Vinícius Júnior, and Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo. However, history shows that surprise packages can emerge, such as Totò Schillaci in 1990 and Oleg Salenko in 1994.
New Format and Tie-Breakers
The 2026 tournament features 48 teams and a round of 32 for the first time, giving contenders an extra match to score. Teams reaching the semi-finals play eight games, but the record of 13 goals by Just Fontaine in 1958 remains a daunting target.
Joint winners are no longer possible. If players have equal goals and assists, the player with fewer minutes played ranks higher.
