World Cup 2026: Messi, Mbappe, Haaland contest best ever Golden Boot race? (opens original article in a new tab)

The Golden Boot race at World Cup 2026 is highly competitive with top strikers like Messi, Mbappe, and Haaland leading, while record goal numbers suggest a high-scoring tournament due to format changes and new equipment.

• Lionel Messi leads the Golden Boot race with five goals in two games
• Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe each have four goals in World Cup 2026
• The expanded 48-team format and new Adidas ball may contribute to increased goal scoring
• Historic Golden Boot winners include Sandor Kocsis, Just Fontaine, and Gerd Muller
• The 2026 World Cup has already seen 139 goals in 45 games, surpassing previous records
• New hydration breaks and more protective officiating may be influencing scoring rates