As fans debate which stars will top the scoring charts, analysing player form alongside World Cup soccer odds can offer insight into who is expected to lead the goals, with expert perspectives often highlighted by BetUS sports betting.
There are plenty of possibilities to explore, with some of the leading scorers in the world's leagues expected to be up there in the race for this prestigious trophy.
The Golden Boot, first awarded in 1982 as the Golden Shoe, is given to the top goalscorer of the tournament. The runners-up receive the adidas Silver Boot and adidas Bronze Boot awards, respectively. Here are the players who are expected to be in the running for the 2026 Golden Boot.
The familiar names will, of course, be on most fans' lips, but some dark horses could surprise some people. In no particular order, here are the players most likely to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot, and why.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Erling Haaland's scoring record is nothing short of extraordinary. He has scored 55 goals in 48 internationals for Norway and is the sixth footballer in history to reach 50 international goals in fewer than 50 caps. Despite Norway being drawn into a challenging group, Haaland's scoring ability makes him a strong contender for the Golden Boot.
Since impressing at Borussia Dortmund, he has reached new heights at Manchester City, breaking plenty of Premier League goalscoring records and emerging as quite possibly the best striker in the world.
With the likes of Martin Odegaard and City teammate Oscar Bobb at his disposal in terms of creativity, there will be many fans expecting him to light up the tournament in the United States.
Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Despite turning 39 during the global finals, Lionel Messi continues to be a formidable goalscorer. With 115 goals in 196 internationals and 13 goals in 26 World Cup games, Messi is still rewriting goalscoring records. However, the Golden Boot remains one of the few prizes to have eluded him.
The Inter Miami star finally won the World Cup with his beloved Argentina in 2022 and will hope he can make history by helping them to retain that title this summer. It will be a tough ask, and his country will need him to score plenty of goals if they hope to do so.
Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane, who won the Golden Boot in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, has a compelling case for becoming the first player to win the award twice.
The 32-year-old Bayern Munich star has an impressive record of 78 goals in 112 internationals and 8 goals in 11 World Cup games. His goal-scoring prowess is supported by a strong team, including players like Jude Bellingham, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, and Bukayo Saka, so the veteran striker will have no shortage of support when it comes to creating chances.
Nick Woltemade (Germany)
Nick Woltemade, a towering presence in Germany's forward line, has impressed with 4 goals in 8 internationals since bursting onto the scene. With a strong supporting cast, including Karim Adeyemi, Serge Gnabry, Joshua Kimmich, and Florian Wirtz, Woltemade could be a surprise contender for the Golden Boot.
The Newcastle United striker will certainly be a dark horse, as, unlike several of the stars on this list, he is at the beginning of his career, hoping to make a name for himself. However, his stature and quality make him a worthy outside contender for those looking to find value in the market.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappe, the Golden Boot winner of the 2022 World Cup, is another strong contender. Despite having already achieved so much in the game, he is still only 27 and is on track to become France’s all-time leading scorer already.
With a record of 55 goals in 94 internationals and 12 goals in 14 World Cup games, Mbappe is expected to be a significant threat in the tournament and will be many people's favourite to win the World Cup golden boot.
Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo, the all-time leading scorer in international football, continues to be a potent force at 40. Plying his trade in Saudi Arabia, some fans may have forgotten about CR7, but when the time comes, he is sure to be front and centre and hoping to make headlines.
With 143 goals in 226 internationals and 8 goals in 22 World Cup games, Ronaldo will be looking to beat his best World Cup return of four goals set at Russia 2018 when he touches down in the US, Mexico and Canada for the World Cup.
The race for the Golden Boot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be an exciting one, with a mix of familiar names and dark horses in contention.
As the tournament approaches, fans and sports betting enthusiasts will be keenly observing how these stars get on with their club sides and what form they will carry into this competition.
