World Cup 2026 golden boot standings: Lionel Messi leads race after breaking all-time scoring record

The race for the golden boot at World Cup 2026 is already fierce, with Lionel Messi, Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland making early statements in their respective bids to finish the tournament at the top of the scoring charts.

The first ever 48-team World Cup features an additional round of 32, offering the world’s top strikers an additional opportunity of bagging an extra goal as they dream of embarking on a deep run into the tournament.

If players are tied for goals, the number of assists will determine who ranks higher. If there is still a tie, it comes down to minutes played and the goals-per-minute ratio. Here are the latest 2026 World Cup golden boot standings.

World Cup golden boot standings

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina), 5 goals

2. Deniz Undav (Germany), 3 goals (2 assists)

= 3. Jonathan David (Canada), 3 goals

= 3. Kylian Mbappe (France), 3 goals

= 4. Vinicius Jr (Brazil), 2 goals (1 assist)

= 4. Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), 2 goals (1 assist)

= 4. Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands), 2 goals (1 assist)

= 4. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain), 2 goals (1 assist)

= 4. Maximiliano Araujo (Uruguay), 2 goals (1 assist)

= 4. Ayase Ueda (Japan), 2 goals (1 assist)

= 9. Harry Kane (England), 2 goals

= 9. Matheus Cunha (Brazil), 2 goals

= 9. Erling Haaland (Norway), 2 goals

= 9. Yasin Ayari (Sweden), 2 goals

= 9. Elijah Just (New Zealand), 2 goals

= 9. Kai Havertz (Germany), 2 goals

= 9. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), 2 goals

= 9. Cyle Larin (Canada), 2 goals

= 9. Ismael Saibari (Morocco), 2 goals

= 9. Folarin Balogun (USA), 2 goals

= 9. Brian Brobbey (Netherlands), 2 goals

= 9. Daichi Kamada (Japan), 2 goals