The first round of FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage matches is complete, and the race for the Golden Boot is already shaping up to be one of the most fascinating battles in tournament history.
Defending champions Argentina, France, England and Norway all enjoyed winning starts, with their biggest stars delivering immediately. Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have all found the scoresheet, setting up a heavyweight contest for the tournament's top-scorer award.
At the top of the standings sits Messi, whose stunning hat-trick against Algeria handed Argentina a comfortable 3-0 victory and moved the 38-year-old level with Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup goals record of 16.
The Argentine icon is currently the only player
with three goals in the tournament and has already taken a significant early step towards winning the one major individual World Cup honour missing from his glittering collection.
Messi Leads, But The Chasing Pack Is Loaded With Superstars
Trailing Messi by one goal is a remarkable group of contenders.
France captain Kylian Mbappe opened his campaign with a brace against Senegal in a 3-1 victory, becoming France's outright all-time leading goalscorer in the process.
Norway striker Erling Haaland enjoyed a dream World Cup debut, scoring twice in a 4-1 win over Iraq as Norway returned to the tournament for the first time since 1998.
England captain Harry Kane also struck twice in the Three Lions' entertaining 4-2 victory over Croatia, drawing level with Gary Lineker as England's joint-highest scorer in World Cup history.
The chasing pack also includes Germany's Kai Havertz, Sweden midfielder Yasin Ayari, New Zealand forward Eli Just and USA striker Folarin Balogun, all of whom have scored twice.
FIFA World Cup Golden Boot Standings (After Matchday 1)
| Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 3 |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 2 |
| Erling Haaland | Norway | 2 |
| Harry Kane | England | 2 |
| Kai Havertz | Germany | 2 |
| Yasin Ayari | Sweden | 2 |
| Eli Just | New Zealand | 2 |
| Folarin Balogun | USA | 2 |
Could This Become The Greatest Golden Boot Race Ever?
The Golden Boot has traditionally been dominated by one standout performer. However, World Cup 2026 already feels different.
Never before have four of the game's biggest active stars entered the tournament among the favourites and immediately delivered in their opening matches.
Messi is chasing history in what could be his final World Cup. Mbappe is attempting to become the first player since Ronaldo Nazario to win multiple Golden Boots. Haaland is playing in his first World Cup and arrives after another prolific club season. Kane, meanwhile, is once again carrying England's hopes.
With the expanded 48-team format creating more matches than ever before, there is a realistic possibility that the eventual Golden Boot winner may need significantly more than the six or seven goals usually required.
After just one round of games, Messi has the early advantage. But with Mbappe, Haaland and Kane all breathing down his neck, the battle for World Cup 2026's most coveted individual prize is only just beginning.
