Who Will Win the World Cup Golden Boot Race?

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot is heating up as we approach the quarter-final stage in North America.

Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are tied on seven each, with Harry Kane hot on their heels with six.

Terrific Trio Tied on Seven

It has been a remarkable World Cup for the world’s best strikers, with Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland running the show. Argentina’s little magician was first to reach seven, with Mbappe going level by netting the only goal of France’s last-16 victory over Paraguay.

Haaland was Norway’s hero in their Round-of-16 tie, with the Manchester City goal machine scoring twice as the Vikings beat record winners Brazil 2-1 in New Jersey.

All three superstar strikers will fancy their chances of finishing as the top scorer in North America. Going by the latest World Cup Golden Boot odds, Mbappe is the bookies’ favourite at 9/10.

Messi, who recently turned 39, has had a magical World Cup so far. He has a game in hand on his rivals, and the Argentina captain is currently available at 7/4. Haaland, who is on fire for Norway, has shot to third favourite at 6/1.

Kane Still in the Mix

England needed their star striker in the Round-of-32 game against DR Congo, with Kane scoring a late brace to give the Three Lions a 2-1 win. The Bayern Munich goal machine then scored what was effectively the winner against Mexico in the Azteca in the last 16.

Kane won the World Cup Golden Boot in Russia in 2018, and the England ace has unfinished business in the 2026 edition. He may be one behind the top three, but the No. 9 has looked deadly in the tournament, and 8/1 are tempting odds.

Kane and Haaland will meet in the quarter-finals, as England and Norway go head-to-head in Miami. Elsewhere, Mbappe’s France face Morocco in the quarters, while Messi’s Argentina play Egypt in the last 16.