World Cup 2026: Mbappé, Messi, Haaland locked in three-way Golden Boot race

The race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot has become one of the closest in the tournament’s history.

France forward Kylian Mbappé, Argentina captain Lionel Messi and Norway striker Erling Haaland are all tied on seven goals heading into the quarter-finals, with little separating three of football’s biggest stars.

Mr Mbappé moved to the top of the scoring chart after converting a penalty in France’s 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay.

Mr Messi had reached seven goals a day earlier after scoring against Cape Verde in Argentina’s extra-time victory, extending his record as the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.

Mr Haaland joined the duo on seven goals after netting twice in Norway’s shock 2-1 victory over five-time champions Brazil to send his country into the quarter-finals.

It is the first time in FIFA World Cup history that three players have scored seven or more goals at the same stage of a tournament.

Should the trio remain level after the final, FIFA’s tiebreakers would be decided by assists and then minutes played, with Mr Mbappé currently holding the advantage.

Kane leads chasing pack

England captain Harry Kane is one goal behind the leading trio with six goals after converting a penalty in England’s 3-2 quarter-final-clinching victory over Mexico.

The 32-year-old, who won the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup with six goals, has already equalled that tally with three rounds still remaining.

A group of players are next on four goals, including England midfielder Jude Bellingham, whose brace helped defeat Mexico, France winger Ousmane Dembélé, and Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal.

Golden Glove race remains wide open

The race for the Golden Glove is also finely balanced as the tournament heads into the quarter-finals.

France goalkeeper Mike Maignan is among the leading contenders after conceding only two goals in his country’s opening five matches, with only Senegal and Norway finding a way past him.

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, the reigning Golden Glove winner, is also in contention as he seeks to become the first player to retain the award.

Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón remains another strong candidate, having faced just six shots on target across four matches.