Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi Lead 2026 World Cup Golden Boot Race

France’s Kylian Mbappé and Argentina’s Lionel Messi are level on seven goals each in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, tied for the tournament’s top‑scorer position. Mbappé holds a slight advantage because he has provided two assists, the tiebreaker used when goal totals are equal. Both players have been pivotal in their teams' progression through the knockout round of 16.

Norway’s Erling Haaland follows with six goals, while England’s Harry Kane has five. Other contenders with four goals include Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior, France’s Ousmane Dembélé, Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal. Messi also marked his 20th World Cup goal, extending his record streak to eight consecutive tournaments.

The race, known as the Golden Boot competition, will intensify as the quarter‑finals approach, with each remaining match offering players a chance to widen the gap or overtake the leaders.