FIFA World Cup 2026 top scorers: Who is leading the Golden Boot race?

French superstar Kylian Mbappé continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup journey by scoring twice against Sweden in the Round of 32, drawing level with Lionel Messi at the top of the 2026 FIFA World Cup scoring chart.

Mbappe's brace helped France secure a place in the next round and took his tally to six goals in the tournament, putting him alongside Messi in the race for the prestigious Golden Boot award. The French captain has once again emerged as one of the standout performers of the competition as the knockout stages gather momentum.

Mbappe reaches 18 World Cup goals in 18 matches

The two goals against Sweden also marked another major milestone in Mbappe's career. The 27-year-old forward has now scored 18 goals in just 18 FIFA World Cup appearances, maintaining an extraordinary average of one goal per match on football's biggest stage.


Since making his World Cup debut in 2018, Mbappe has delivered consistently across three tournaments, playing a pivotal role in France's success and establishing himself among the greatest goal scorers in World Cup history.

Golden Boot race heats up

With six goals each, Mbappe and Messi currently lead the scoring charts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mbappe also has two assists to his name, giving him an advantage in the Golden Boot standings should the two players finish level on goals.

The race remains wide open with several top stars still in contention. Norway striker Erling Haaland has scored five goals, while France winger Ousmane Dembélé and Brazil star Vinícius Júnior have four goals each.

The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who finishes the tournament with the most goals. If players are tied, assists are used as the first tiebreaker, followed by the fewest minutes played.

World Cup 2026 top scorers

1. Kylian Mbappé (France) – 6 goals, 2 assists
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 6 goals, 0 assists
3. Erling Haaland (Norway) – 5 goals
4. Ousmane Dembélé (France) – 4 goals, 2 assists
5. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 4 goals, 1 assist

Most World Cup goals in history

Mbappe's latest double has also moved him closer to the all-time World Cup scoring record. Messi currently leads the historical list with 19 goals, while Mbappe is just one goal behind on 18. Former Germany striker Miroslav Klose sits third with 16 goals, followed by Ronaldo Nazário with 15 and Gerd Müller with 14.

As France advances deeper into the tournament, Mbappe now has the opportunity to surpass Messi, strengthen his Golden Boot credentials and further cement his place among the greatest players in FIFA World Cup history.