The World Cup’s Golden Boot race: Mbappe and Messi lead but will Kane or Bellingham overtake them?

With only the third-place playoff and the final remaining at the 2026 World Cup, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are tied at the top of the Golden Boot standings with eight goals each, while England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are level on six goals apiece. Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal sits fifth with five goals, giving multiple players a chance to claim the title in one final game each. Both Mbappé and Messi have already surpassed Miroslav Klose's all-time World Cup scoring record during this tournament, adding a historic dimension to their individual duel.