The star-studded Golden Boot race at the World Cup 2026 has taken another twist with Lionel Messi leading the way once again.
Messi is the first player in history to notch in six successive World Cup knockout games, having already surpassed Miroslav Klose at this tournament as the leading goalscorer in finals history.
However, while the Argentina superstar has not scored since the 3-2 win over Egypt in the last-eight, his assists in wins over Switzerland and England means he tops the standings by virtue of creating more goals than Kylian Mbappe.
As a result, Mbappe must have at least one goal contribution in Saturday’s bronze medal match against the Three Lions to put pressure on Messi ahead of the World Cup 2026 final against Spain.
Harry Kane is also firmly in the Golden Boot hunt after netting his sixth goal of this World Cup from the penalty spot as ten-man England produced a stunning win over co-hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
Jude Bellingham moved level with his compatriot after notching a brace in England’s 2-1 win over Norway in the last eight.
Here are the latest Golden Boot standings for the 2026 World Cup...
World Cup 2026 top scorers
Position |
Player |
Nation |
Goals |
Assists |
=1 |
Lionel Messi |
Argentina |
8 |
4 |
=1 |
Kylian Mbappe |
France |
8 |
3 |
2 |
Erling Haaland |
Norway |
7 |
0 |
= 4 |
Harry Kane |
England |
6 |
1 |
= 4 |
Jude Bellingham |
England |
6 |
2 |
=5 |
Ousmane Dembele |
France |
5 |
2 |
=5 |
Mikel Oyarzabal |
Spain |
5 |
1 |
=6 |
Julian Quinones |
Mexico |
4 |
1 |
=6 |
Vinicius Junior |
Brazil |
4 |
1 |
=6 |
Ismaila Sarr |
Senegal |
4 |
1 |
Table correct as of July 16, 2026.
