The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot continues with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe trading places with each passing game. Messi had regained the top spot following a goal against Cape Verde in Argentina’s thrilling 3-2 win in the pre-quarters earlier this week. However, Mbappe wasn’t to be left behind as he converted a penalty against Paraguay in France’s hard-fought 1-0 win to again take the top spot.
Brazil’s Vinicius Junior (7) is currently at the seventh spot with four goals and an assist in four games. He has played a total of 398 minutes so far. Brazil next face Norway in the quarter-finals. (AP Photo)
Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal (21) is at the sixth spot after having found the back of the net four times while assisting one goal. He has played 333 minutes with Spain scheduled to take on Portugal in the quarters next. (AP Photo)
France’s Ousmane Dembele has scored four times including a hat-trick besides providing assists for two goals. He has the fifth spot to his name and will be back in action when France face Morocco in the quarters. (AP Photo)
England captain Harry Kane (9) is fourth in the golden ball race after scoring five goals in four games including a brace in his team’s comeback win over Ivory Coast. England will face Mexico next in a round of 16 clash. (AP Photo)
Norway’s goalscoring machine Erling Haaland (9) is third in the race to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Ball award. He has scored five goals in 309 minutes played so far. Norway will lock horns with Brazil for a place in the semi-finals next. (AP Photo)
Argentina’s Lionel Messi is defying age at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with 7 goals from four matches. He’s currently second in the race having played 361 minutes and will next lead his team in a round-of-16 clash against Egypt. (AP Photo)
France’s Kylian Mbappe (10) loves the World Cup. And his goal-scoring spree at the tournament continues having netted 7 times while assisting two goals. He’s currently leading the golden ball race and will aim to add more goals to his tally when France take on Morocco in the quarters next. (AP Photo)
