With the expanded 48-team format offering more matches and more scoring opportunities, the race for the Golden Boot could be one of the most competitive in World Cup history.
Here are five players widely regarded as the leading contenders:
1. Kylian Mbappé (France)
France’s forward #10 Kylian Mbappe looks on before the international friendly football match between France and Northern Ireland at the Pierre-Mauroy stadium in Villeneuve-d’Ascq, northern France on June 8, 2026, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup football tournament. (Photo by Sameer AL-DOUMY / AFP)
The favourite heading into the tournament, Mbappé won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup with eight goals and already has 12 World Cup goals despite being only 27. As France’s primary attacking threat and penalty taker, he enters the tournament in prolific form.
