World Cup 2026 sees fierce Golden Boot contest and boosted betting odds

The knockout stage of the 2026 World Cup has intensified the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot. Argentina’s Lionel Messi, at 39, leads with six goals after three group matches, positioning him as the favorite to become the oldest top scorer. France’s Kylian Mbappé, who won the award in 2022, is also in contention after scoring a double in the group phase, while teammates Ousmane Dembélé and other forwards such as Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior have added multiple goals.

Meanwhile, Polish betting operator BETFAN has launched daily boosted odds for the tournament. The bookmaker highlights special offers on matches like France versus Sweden, promoting a higher payout on a Dembélé goal, and on the Norway‑Ivory Coast encounter, encouraging bets on Norway winning at least one half. These promotions aim to give bettors increased potential returns on high‑profile World Cup fixtures.

The combined focus on the Golden Boot leaderboard and the betting market underscores the heightened excitement and commercial activity surrounding the World Cup’s decisive phase.