Buy FIFA World Cup Tickets: Here are the main contenders for the title, and others who might just play their way into contention. This one is easy. Argentina’s opening game showed all you need to see. World Cup hat tricks are not an everyday occurrence, and Messi had one against Algeria, his first in World Cup history.
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé Lead the Golden Boot Race
He added two more goals in doing so, and he set a new all-time tournament goal record (18). A deep run to the final, which defending champions Argentina are more than capable of, would give Messi a perfect chance to secure his first Golden Boot in this competition. In truth, there are very few reasons to doubt Messi will end this tournament as the top scorer, but one stands out.
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Is Messi the best scorer in world football? Remember, Messi has never won the Golden Boot. Mbappé’s final hat trick left him one ahead in 2022. With another brace against Sweden in the round of 32, he is in a great position. There is also an argument that France could be the highest-scoring team should they go on a deep run.
France’s Firepower Makes Multiple Contenders Dangerous
France is the tournament favorite, meaning that it should be somewhat expected. Perhaps the only thing that can stop Mbappé is a stunning knockout defeat that prematurely ends France’s run. Otherwise, there are very few reasons why Mbappé shouldn’t win it again. The reigning Ballon d’Or winner certainly has what it takes to win the Golden Boot.
His 32-minute hat trick against Norway in France’s final group game was everything you’d need to see. Twice he scored the same goal: He picked up the ball on the right-hand side of the box, pushed it on his left and fired a superb curling effort to the far corner. France has, by quite some way, the most threatening attacking options in the competition. Click to read more about Football World Cup Tickets.

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It seems obvious that the player with the most goals at the end of this World Cup will be French, and Dembélé has a great shout to be that man. Penalties. France is yet to take a spot kick this World Cup, but Mbappé has long been his country’s primary penalty taker. It might not seem a major reason for Dembélé to miss out on the Golden Boot, but the other names on this list (Messi, Mbappé, Kane, Haaland) all take the penalties for their team.
Vinícius Júnior and Harry Kane Aim to Challenge the Favorites
There is rather uplifting about a Brazilian space charming the Golden Boot. The nation has such a singular empathy with the World Cup, and yet no Brazilian has gained it since Ronaldo in 1998. Vinícius Júnior is the main aggressive outlet for coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is one of the best coaches in the world at getting his main stars to perform.
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He has more goals since Ancelotti’s arrival 12 months ago than he did in his first 39 games for Brazil, including goals in all three of his side’s group games. It might shock you, but Vinícius isn’t actually much of a goal scorer. He had only nine goals in 49 games for Brazil entering this tournament and has never truly threatened to be LaLiga’s top scorer while at Real Madrid.
Winning the Golden Boot would be a surprise for Vinícius. Norway is an above-average team at this tournament, but they’ll need to find a way past Brazil in the round of 16 and potentially England in the quarterfinals if they are going to do so. Check any scoring chart in Europe this year, and there’s a good chance Kane is No. 1 on it.
Can a Surprise Goalscorer Emerge During the Knockout Stage?
The Bayern Munich striker’s scoring form has been so good that he is firmly in the Ballon d’Or conversation. His five goals in four games are all the proof you need that England’s attack runs through Kane. There is a kind of myth around Kane that he can go missing in major tournaments, which is exceedingly harsh for a player who, against Panama, broke Gary Lineker’s England record for most career World Cup goals (10).
Remember, he is also England’s all-time leading scorer (81 goals). That said, England have not looked nearly as prolific as other major nations at this World Cup, and that could impact Kane’s scoring. In the final group game, Kane had the fewest number of touches of any player on the pitch, including both goalkeepers, as the game ticked towards the hour mark.

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Who is the favorite to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot?
Lionel Messi is considered one of the leading favorites after his outstanding group-stage performances and record-breaking goal tally.
Why is Kylian Mbappé a strong Golden Boot contender?
Mbappé has continued his exceptional World Cup scoring form, benefits from France’s powerful attack, and is also the team’s primary penalty taker.
How has Lionel Messi performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far?
Messi scored a hat trick against Algeria, became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer, and has helped Argentina remain one of the favorites to defend their title.
Can Ousmane Dembélé realistically win the Golden Boot?
Yes. Dembélé has been in excellent form, including a hat trick against Norway, although he may lose out on penalty opportunities to Mbappé.
Why is Vinícius Júnior considered a dark horse in the Golden Boot race?
Vinícius has improved significantly under Carlo Ancelotti and scored in each of Brazil’s group-stage matches, though he has not traditionally been a prolific goalscorer.
What could prevent Harry Kane from finishing as the tournament’s top scorer?
England’s relatively cautious attacking approach and lower overall goal output compared to other favorites could limit Kane’s chances despite his excellent finishing ability.
How important are penalty kicks in the Golden Boot race?
Penalties can make a significant difference, as designated penalty takers often receive extra scoring opportunities during the tournament.
Which teams are expected to produce the tournament’s top goalscorer?
Argentina and France are viewed as the strongest candidates because of their deep tournament prospects and high-quality attacking talent.
Could an unexpected player still win the Golden Boot?
Yes. Strong performances during the knockout rounds can quickly change the scoring race, allowing an emerging player to overtake the current favorites.
How can fans sell FIFA World Cup 2026 tickets safely?
Fans can sell FIFA World Cup tickets through trusted platforms like Xchangetickets. These marketplaces connect buyers and sellers for group, knockout, and final matches.