Awarded to the player who scores the most goals during the tournament, the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot is one of football’s most prestigious individual honours. Over the years, some of the game’s greatest forwards have claimed the award, while others have used the World Cup stage to announce themselves to the world.
The 2026 World Cup will introduce an expanded 48-team format, increasing the number of matches from 64 to 104. More games could mean more goals, giving the world’s best attackers even greater opportunities to leave their mark on football’s biggest tournament.
Who won the previous World Cup Golden Boots?
The most recent World Cup Golden Boot winners are:
- Qatar 2022: Kylian Mbappé
- Russia 2018: Harry Kane
- Brazil 2014: James Rodríguez
- South Africa 2010: Thomas Müller
- Germany 2006: Miroslav Klose
Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé are the only previous Golden Boot winners among the leading contenders for 2026. Kane topped the scoring charts in Russia with six goals, while Mbappé claimed the award in Qatar after scoring eight times.
Mbappé now has the chance to achieve something no player has managed before by retaining the World Cup Golden Boot at consecutive tournaments. If France make another deep run, the French superstar could create a new piece of World Cup history.
How will the 48-Team format affect the Golden Boot race?
The 2026 World Cup will be the first edition to feature 48 teams. The expanded format is expected to have a significant impact on the Golden Boot race.
More matches naturally create more scoring opportunities. Players representing the strongest nations could benefit most, particularly during the early stages of the competition when they face lower-ranked opponents.
The larger tournament may also lead to more one-sided scorelines. Elite forwards could find themselves facing teams with less experience at World Cup level, increasing the likelihood of multi-goal performances.
Another important factor is the additional knockout round. Teams reaching the final will play more matches than in previous tournaments, giving leading goalscorers extra chances to increase their tally.
For bettors, this could make the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot market more competitive than ever. A favourable draw and a fast start may prove just as important as a player’s reputation.
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2026 World Cup Golden Boot favourites
Kylian Mbappé
It’s difficult to look beyond Kylian Mbappé when discussing the leading contenders for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.
The French forward won the award in 2022 and remains one of the most dangerous attackers in world football. His pace, movement and finishing ability allow him to score from almost any situation.
France are expected to challenge for the trophy once again, which should provide Mbappé with plenty of opportunities to add to his impressive World Cup goals record.
Harry Kane
Harry Kane remains one of the most complete strikers in international football.
England’s all-time leading goalscorer won the Golden Boot in 2018 and continues to produce goals at the highest level. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing and penalty-taking ability make him a constant threat.
If England reach the latter stages of the tournament, Kane will have every chance of becoming one of the few players to win the World Cup Golden Boot twice.
Mikel Oyarzabal
Mikel Oyarzabal may not be the first name that comes to mind, but he has become an increasingly important player for Spain.
The forward has a habit of scoring crucial goals and plays a key role in one of Europe’s strongest national teams. Spain’s attacking approach often spreads goals throughout the squad, which could make life difficult in the Golden Boot race.
However, if Oyarzabal establishes himself as Spain’s primary attacking outlet before the tournament, he could outperform expectations.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi remains a key figure for Argentina and will attract significant interest in the Golden Boot betting market.
The Argentine legend scored seven goals during Argentina’s successful 2022 World Cup campaign and continues to influence matches with his vision, creativity and finishing.
Age may limit his output over a demanding tournament, but writing off Messi is rarely a wise decision. Few players have delivered more often on football’s biggest stage.
Erling Haaland
Erling Haaland looks perfectly suited to a Golden Boot challenge.
The Norwegian striker is one of the most prolific goal scorers in world football and has built his reputation on finding the back of the net with remarkable consistency.
The biggest obstacle may be Norway’s progress in the tournament rather than Haaland’s ability. If Norway advance deep into the competition, he could become one of the most dangerous contenders in the race for the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.
2026 World Cup Golden Boot odds
Odds via 10bet and correct at the time of writing.
- Kylian Mbappé – 9/2 (5.50)
- Harry Kane – 7/1 (8.00)
- Lionel Messi – 12/1 (13.00)
- Mikel Oyarzabal – 14/1 (15.00)
- Erling Haaland – 14/1 (15.00)
Who will win the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot?
Kylian Mbappé deserves his place at the top of the market and remains the standout favourite to win the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot.
The Real Madrid star already has an exceptional World Cup scoring record and will once again lead one of the tournament favourites. With more matches available in the expanded format, he could have even more opportunities to add to his tally.
Harry Kane and Erling Haaland are strong alternatives, particularly if England and Norway enjoy successful campaigns. Both strikers possess the consistency and finishing ability needed to challenge for the award.
There are a few tempting outside options, such as Lamine Yamal, who is set to be fit despite recovering from a hamstring injury.
Another of the outside favourites is Cristiano Ronaldo, in what is likely to be his last World Cup, the Portuguese phenomenon will be hoping to not only take home the Golden Boot, but the Jules Rimet to go alongside it.
For now, however, Mbappé remains the player to beat. I can very well see France winning the whole thing, and if they do, Mbappé and his goals will undoubtedly be a huge part of that.
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