World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Balogun leads as Kane and Mbappe tipped

The 2026 World Cup is underway and the race for the Golden Boot — awarded to the tournament's top scorer — is already taking shape across the 48 competing nations. The prize has turned strikers into legends, placing them in a pantheon that includes Ronaldo, Eusebio, Gerd Müller, Gary Lineker and Miroslav Klose.

Several proven finishers stand out. Kylian Mbappe, the 2022 Golden Boot winner, seeks to retain his crown; Harry Kane arrives off a 36-goal Bundesliga season and a strong Champions League run; Lionel Messi remains central to Argentina despite time away from Europe's top divisions.

Others touted as contenders include Erling Haaland, Mikel Oyarzabal, Cristiano Ronaldo, Lamine Yamal, Ousmane Dembele, Raphinha and Julian Alvarez. After an action-packed start, USMNT striker Folarin Balogun tops the scoring charts with two goals following a brace in the United States' 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

United States

golden boot, world cup, folarin balogun, kylian mbappe, harry kane, lionel messi, erling haaland, cristiano ronaldo, julian alvarez, usmnt