FIFA has released the list of the top ten candidates for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams and 104 games, the edition promises to break goal records and make the fight for top scorers even more fierce.
Mbappé seeks to repeat 2022 title
Kylian Mbappé appears as one of the strongest names. The 27-year-old French striker has 56 goals in 98 games for the national team and has already scored 12 times in 14 World Cup matches. He is having a great time at Real Madrid and will count on elite creators such as Ousmane Dembélé, Rayan Cherki and Michael Olise to fuel France’s attack.
Kane could be the first two-time Golden Boot winner
Harry Kane, from England, has solid arguments to win the award for the second time. At 32 years old, the center forward has scored 79 goals in 113 games for the national team and was already top scorer in 2018. At Bayern Munich, he maintains an average of more than one goal per game in the Bundesliga. The support of Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze increases his chances of making history.
Oyarzabal emerges as a new Spanish threat
Mikel Oyarzabal gained space among the favorites. The 29-year-old Spanish striker has not played in previous World Cups, but is enjoying a goalscoring moment with 13 goals in the last 13 games for the national team. The creativity of Pedri, Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams should help Luis de la Fuente’s team play in Group H against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Haaland brings impressive numbers for Norway
Erling Haaland has outstanding statistics. The Norwegian scored 55 goals in just 50 international appearances and became the sixth player in history to reach 50 international goals in less than 50 appearances. At Manchester City he continues to score regularly. With Oscar Bobb, Antonio Nusa and Martin Ødegaard alongside, Haaland can shine even in a tough group with France, Senegal and Iraq.
Messi seeks the Golden Boot that is missing from his career
Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 during the tournament, remains a constant threat. The Argentine has 117 goals in 199 games for the national team and 13 in World Cups. In the last 37 games for Albiceleste he found the net 35 times. Despite his age, Messi continues to break records at Inter Miami and wants to finally win the Golden Boot, one of the few honors he still doesn’t have.
Ronaldo remains the national team’s top scorer
Cristiano Ronaldo, at 40 years old, is the greatest scorer in national team history with 143 goals in 226 games. The Portuguese is going through a good phase at Al Nassr and has scored 25 goals in the last 30 games for Portugal. With Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leão and Bernardo Silva creating chances, he aims to surpass his best record in World Cups, which was four goals in Russia 2018.
Yamal could become the youngest goalscorer in history
Lamine Yamal, from Spain, represents the new generation. At just 19 years old at the end of the tournament, the young man could break the precocity record for the award, which belongs to James Rodríguez (23 years old in 2014). Despite being best known as a creator, his long-range shots are lethal. He arrives motivated after a good phase in the national team.
Dembélé evolves as a finisher in France
Ousmane Dembélé completes France’s list. Although he only scored 7 goals in 59 appearances for the national team, the striker has developed into a dangerous goalscorer at PSG, with 55 goals in the last two seasons. With Mbappé centralized, Dembélé must play on the wings or behind the main attacker, but remains rated for his ability to decide games.
Vinicius Jr surprises as Brazilian candidate
Vinicius Junior appears as a surprise on the list. At 25 years old, the Brazilian has 9 goals in 49 games for the national team, but has already surpassed the mark of 20 goals per season at Real Madrid in the last five editions. His speed and finishing make him dangerous in Group C, against Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
Raphinha gains strength with penalties and set pieces
Raphinha, another Brazilian in the relationship, is having a great time at Barcelona. The attacking midfielder has scored 55 goals in 90 games for the club since the start of the 2024/25 season. He must take penalties and free kicks for the national team and arrives as a lethal mid-range option.
History and impact of the new World Cup format
The Golden Shoe was created in 1982 as the Golden Shoe and renamed in 2010. Mbappé was the last winner in 2022 with 8 goals, while Kane won it in 2018 with 6. The historical record belongs to Just Fontaine, with 13 goals in 1958. The 104-game format should significantly increase the number of goals in the tournament.
- 1930: Guillermo Stabile (8 goals)
- 1958: Just Fontaine (13 goals)
- 2014: James Rodriguez (6 goals)
- 2018: Harry Kane (6 goals)
- 2022: Kylian Mbappé (8 goals)
The dispute begins in June and should continue until the final in July, with Mbappé and Kane appearing as the main favorites at bookmakers.