The conclusion of the quarterfinal round of the 2026 World Cup has reshaped the race for the Golden Boot, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé tied for the lead.

The two superstars have each scored eight goals and are continuing in the tournament with Argentina and France, respectively, with at least one more match to improve their tally.

Messi remains the undisputed leader of world champion Argentina, while Mbappé is once again leading France’s attack, aiming for his second consecutive Golden Boot at the World Cup.

In third place is Erling Haaland with seven goals. The Norwegian forward finished the tournament with an impressive personal performance, but is no longer in contention for the top spot following Norway’s elimination.

Two English players follow. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have each scored six goals and remain in the running for the top scorer title, as the “Three Lions” advance to the semifinals.

Ousmane Dembélé is in sixth place with five goals, serving as yet another attacking option for France that could close in on the leaders. Vinícius Júnior, Julián Quiñones, Ismaïla Sarr, and Mikel Oyarzabal each have four goals.

What makes this year’s race unique is that several of the top scorers are still in contention for the trophy. Messi, Mbappé, Bellingham, and Kane have played a decisive role in their teams’ campaigns and now have yet another opportunity to leave their mark on the tournament.

Their combined total of eight goals has already matched the tally with which Mbappé claimed the top spot at the 2022 World Cup. In the 2018 tournament, Harry Kane was the top scorer with six goals, the same number scored by James Rodríguez in 2014.

In 2010, Thomas Müller finished the tournament with five goals, while Miroslav Klose had recorded the same tally in 2006. The 2026 World Cup’s scoring totals have already surpassed those of several recent tournaments, even before the semifinals and final have been played.

The all-time record for a single World Cup final tournament remains held by Just Fontaine, who scored 13 goals for France in 1958. In second place on the all-time list is Sándor Kocsis, with 11 goals for Hungary in 1954.

*photo source: AP