Mbappé, Kane, Messi Eye Golden Boot at 2026 World Cup

Kylian Mbappé, the French captain, is a favorite for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup, having scored 8 goals during the Qatar 2022 tournament, including a hat trick in the final against Argentina. He had an impressive season with Real Madrid, netting 42 goals in 44 games.

Harry Kane, the England captain, is also a strong contender, having scored 61 goals in 51 games for Bayern Munich and previously winning the Golden Boot in the 2018 World Cup. Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, will lead the national team in pursuit of individual awards.

Lionel Messi, who scored 7 goals in the 2022 World Cup, is expected to be a threat as he prepares for what could be his last World Cup appearance. Other notable players in the race include Erling Haaland from Norway, Vinícius Júnior from Brazil, and Julián Álvarez from Argentina, among others.