The race for the Golden Boot award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has intensified, with France's Kylian Mbappé and Argentina's Lionel Messi now level atop the scoring chart.
Mbappé reclaimed the top spot after scoring in France's quarterfinal victory over Morocco. He and Messi each have eight goals. Mbappé holds the tiebreaker advantage due to having more assists.
Messi had an opportunity to take the sole lead but was held scoreless during Argentina's quarterfinal win against Switzerland. Meanwhile, Norway's Erling Haaland, who entered the quarterfinals with seven goals, was unable to add to his tally in his country's exit from the tournament.
England's Jude Bellingham and captain Harry Kane are both in striking distance with six goals. France's Ousmane Dembélé also remains in contention with five goals.
Golden Boot Standings
Following the quarterfinals, the current standings are:
- 8 goals: Kylian Mbappé (France), Lionel Messi (Argentina)
- 6 goals: Jude Bellingham (England), Harry Kane (England)
- 5 goals: Ousmane Dembélé (France)
With only the semifinals and final remaining, the margin for error is minimal. One decisive performance in the upcoming matches could determine the winner of the tournament's most coveted individual scoring prize.