5 players favourites to win the Golden Boot at 2026 World Cup

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Jun 10, 2026 - 12:00
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5 players favourites to win the Golden Boot at 2026 World Cup

With the expanded 48-team format offering more matches and more scoring opportunities, the race for the Golden Boot could be one of the most competitive in World Cup history.

Here are five players widely regarded as the leading contenders:

1. Kylian Mbappé (France)

France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe looks on before the international friendly football match between France and Northern Ireland at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France on June 8, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)

The favourite heading into the tournament, Mbappé won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup with eight goals and already has 12 World Cup goals despite being only 27. As France’s primary attacking threat and penalty taker, he enters the tournament in prolific form.

2. Harry Kane (England)

TAMPA, FLORIDA – JUNE 06: Harry Kane #9 of England leaves the field after a international friendly match between England and New Zealand at Raymond James Stadium on June 06, 2026 in Tampa, Florida. Rich Storry/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Rich Storry / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

The 2018 Golden Boot winner remains one of international football’s deadliest finishers. England are expected to make a deep run, and Kane’s role as chief goalscorer and penalty taker gives him a strong chance of becoming the first player to win the award twice.

3. Erling Haaland (Norway)

HARRISON, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 07: (L-R) Antonio Nusa, Alexander Sorloth, Julian Ryerson and Erling Haaland of Norway sing the national anthem prior to the international friendly match between Morocco and Norway at Red Bull Arena on June 07, 2026 in Harrison, New Jersey. Vincent Carchietta/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Vincent Carchietta / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)

Making his World Cup debut, Haaland arrives with a fearsome scoring record for club and country. While Norway are not among the favourites to win the tournament, the Manchester City striker is capable of

scoring heavily against any opposition.

4. Lamine Yamal (Spain)

The teenage sensation is not a traditional centre-forward, but Spain’s attacking style and expected deep tournament run could provide plenty of opportunities. Many analysts view him as a potential breakout star capable of challenging for both the Golden Boot and Golden Ball.

5. Julián Álvarez (Argentina)

With Argentina among the favourites again, Álvarez could benefit from leading the line for a team packed with creators. He is widely viewed as a dark-horse contender who could emerge as the tournament’s surprise top scorer.

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