Golden Boot favorites for FIFA World Cup 2026
Short overview
FIFA highlights 10 top contenders for the adidas Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup, which features 40 more matches than previous editions. Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, and Lionel Messi lead the list of favorites.
The 23rd FIFA World Cup™ will feature 40 more matches than any previous edition, guaranteeing more goals than ever before. However, which player will finish as the tournament's top scorer remains uncertain. FIFA has identified 10 men with the shortest odds to win the adidas Golden Boot.
Leading Contenders
Kylian Mbappé (France)
Mbappé has scored 56 goals in 98 international appearances, including 12 goals in 14 World Cup games. He is set to become France's all-time leading scorer at age 27, surpassing Thierry Henry (30) and Olivier Giroud (36) who achieved the milestone later. The electric attacker averaged nearly a goal per game at Paris Saint-Germain and continues at Real Madrid. With elite creators like Rayan Cherki, Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue, and Michael Olise supplying him, back-to-back World Cup Golden Boots are within reach. France is drawn in Group I against Senegal, Iraq, and Norway. His FIFA World Cup™ Fantasy price is $10.5 million.
Harry Kane (England)
Kane has scored 79 goals in 113 internationals, with 8 goals in 11 World Cup games. The 32-year-old has averaged more than a goal per Bundesliga game since joining Bayern Munich in 2023 and has scored at least as many times as he has played for England in five of the last nine calendar years. Supported by Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka, Kane could become the first man to win the Golden Boot twice. England is in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama. His Fantasy price is $10.5 million.
Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain)
Oyarzabal has 25 goals in 53 internationals and has not yet played in a World Cup. The 29-year-old from Eibar was not among the top 25 favorites two years ago but now ranks third among forerunners. With Pedri, Lamine Yamal, and Nico Williams providing creativity, Oyarzabal has scored 13 times in his last 13 outings for Spain. Spain faces Cabo Verde, Saudi Arabia, and Uruguay in Group H. His Fantasy price is $8.1 million.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Haaland has 55 goals in 50 internationals, making him only the sixth footballer in history—and the first in 53 years—to reach 50 international goals in fewer than 50 caps. The Manchester City striker scores with remarkable consistency. Norway is drawn into a challenging group with Iraq, Senegal, and France, but Haaland, with Oscar Bobb, Antonio Nusa, and Martin Odegaard serving him, can score against any opponent. His Fantasy price is $10.5 million.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Messi has scored 116 goals in 198 internationals, including 13 goals in 26 World Cup games. The 39-year-old, who will turn 39 during the finals, continues to score prolifically, with 35 goals in his last 37 matches for Argentina and ongoing record-breaking performances with Inter Miami. The Golden Boot is one of few prizes to have eluded Messi; he is one of only two men to score more than six times in a single edition and not win it. Argentina is in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. His Fantasy price is $10 million.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Ronaldo, international football's all-time leading scorer with 143 goals in 226 internationals, has 8 goals in 22 World Cup games. The 40-year-old continues to rewrite scoring milestones at Al Nassr and has registered 25 goals in his last 30 Portugal appearances. After struggling for minutes at Qatar 2022 due to a fallout with coach Fernando Santos, Ronaldo is playing regularly under Roberto Martinez. With Francisco Conceicao, Bruno Fernandes, Rafael Leao, Pedro Neto, and Bernardo Silva providing service, Ronaldo aims to beat his best World Cup return of four goals set at Russia 2018. Portugal is in Group K with Congo DR, Uzbekistan, and Colombia. His Fantasy price is $10 million.
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