FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe or Haaland — who will win?
Speculation surrounds the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race as veterans and rising stars prepare to compete for the prestigious scoring title. Kylian Mbappe enters as the defending winner following his record-breaking performance in Qatar.
Kylian Mbappe secured the Golden Boot at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, scoring a total of eight goals. He narrowly edged out his former club teammate Lionel Messi, who finished the tournament with seven goals during Argentina's championship run.
As the 2026 tournament approaches, the competition is expected to feature elite strikers including Erling Haaland, should Norway qualify for the expanded 48-team event. Analysts are weighing the experience of established icons like Messi against the peak physical form of younger forwards.
The award remains one of the most coveted individual honors in international football, often requiring a deep tournament run to accumulate necessary goals. The 2026 edition will be hosted across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, providing a unique backdrop for these athletes. Source: FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot: Messi, Mbappe or Haaland — who will win?
