The 2026 World Cup has entered a crucial phase. After completing 100 matches up to the quarter-finals, public attention has begun to narrow down to the race for the Golden Boot. So far, a total of 292 goals have been scored, averaging 2.92 goals per match, reflecting the sharpness of players in this prestigious football tournament.
France's star striker, Kylian Mbappé, has officially taken top spot in the top scorers list with eight goals. The sharp forward managed to overtake Lionel Messi, who previously led, thanks to a higher number of assists and a better minutes-per-goal ratio for the French national team.
Although Messi has scored the same eight goals, Argentina's longer playing time puts him below Mbappé under individual ranking rules. Besides these two megastars, the Golden Boot race leaves six players who still have the chance to add to their tally in the semifinals.
On the other hand, Erling Haaland had to give up his ambition of winning the Golden Boot after Norway was eliminated in the quarter-finals. With a total of seven goals, Haaland remains in third place in the temporary standings, competing with other active big names such as England's Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane, France's Ousmane Dembélé, and Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal.
