Tracking the Top Scorers of the 2026 World Cup: Updated Golden Boot Standings
The 2026 World Cup is now underway across North America, and the competition for the Golden Boot trophy is heating up. While champions Argentina aim to defend their title—a feat no team has managed since Brazil in 1962—the fight for top scorer remains unpredictable.
This tournament features many of the world's elite strikers along with legendary figures, but it also offers a chance for lesser-known talents to emerge as goal-scoring threats.
Favorites to Win the Golden Boot
Betting odds from DraftKings Sportsbook show Kylian Mbappe of France as the favorite at +600. Following him are Harry Kane from England at +700 and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal at +1100. Others in the mix include Erling Haaland (+1400), Lionel Messi (+1600), and Cristiano Ronaldo (+2000).
Recap: 2022 World Cup Golden Boot Winner
Kylian Mbappe made history at the 2022 World Cup by scoring a hat-trick in the final, becoming the first player since Geoff Hurst in 1966 to do so. He also scored a penalty during the shootout in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Argentina, although France fell short in the end.
Mbappe secured the Golden Boot with eight goals, building on his four goals from 2018 when France took home the trophy.
History of Golden Boot Winners
Since the first World Cup in 1930, there have been 22 different Golden Boot winners. The award does not always go to the biggest stars, showing that surprise performers often rise to the occasion.
Golden Boot Winners Who Also Lifted the World Cup
Only three players have won the Golden Boot while their team also won the World Cup. Mario Kempes did it for Argentina in 1978, scoring twice in the final. Paolo Rossi repeated the feat in 1982 for Italy, netting in the final as well. Then came Brazil's Ronaldo in 2002, who scored both goals in the final against Germany, finishing with eight goals — the highest tally since Gerd Muller in 1970.
All-Time Leading World Cup Goal Scorers
Just 13 players have scored ten or more goals in World Cup history. Among them, only one active player as of 2022 continues adding to their total: Germany's Thomas Muller. Before Qatar 2022, he needed two goals to match Pele's record, but he ended the tournament without scoring.
