The race for the golden boot at the World Cup is hurtling towards an epic contest during the knockout stage after Lionel Messi added another to his tally to move clear of Vinicius Jr, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland in the race.
The stars continue to dominate at this tournament, none more so than Messi after backing up a hat-trick against Algeria with a double against Austria to highlight one of his greatest traits after a penalty miss. Another arrived off the bench against Jordan – inevitably.
Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland have been in excellent scoring touch themselves as two of Europe’s leading marksmen thrive on the biggest stage. Harry Kane is there or thereabouts, too, after heading home against Panama in England’s final group game. Vinicius Jr also stamped his mark with a brace against Scotland while Ousmane Dembele hit a superb hat-trick against Norway to throw his hat in the ring.
If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings:
World Cup golden boot standings
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 6 goals
2. Kylian Mbappe (France), 4 goals, (2 assists)
= 3. Ousmane Dembele (France), 4 goals (1 assist)
= 3. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 4 goals (1 assist)
5. Erling Haaland (Norway), 4 goals
6. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)
= 7. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), 3 goals (1 assist)
= 9. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals
= 9. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 3 goals
= 9. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 3 goals
= 9. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 3 goals
= 9. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 3 goals
= 9. Harry Kane (England), 3 goals
= 9. Yoane Wissa (DR Congo), 3 goals
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