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Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Ronaldo, Gary Lineker — some of football’s greatest names have lifted the Golden Boot for being the top scorer at a World Cup. The question this year is: who will join that elite list in 2026?

With the expanded 48-team format, this World Cup promises more matches, more opportunities, and possibly the highest goal tallies we’ve ever seen at the tournament.

Before a ball is kicked, here’s our list of the 10 most likely players to claim the Golden Boot in 2026. We’ll keep this ranking updated as the tournament unfolds, so stay tuned.

The only player to have scored in five different World Cups and the all-time leading scorer in international football, Ronaldo could extend his record and make it six this summer.

However, despite his prolific record in the Champions League, Ronaldo’s World Cup output has been rather modest.

He has eight goals in total — averaging one every 2.75 games, or 1.6 per World Cup — and has never scored in the knockout rounds.

To win the Golden Boot this year, he would likely need to equal his total from his previous five tournaments combined. At 41, and after spending the last few years playing in Saudi Arabia’s slower-paced league, it seems a stretch, doesn’t it?

Still, to be fair, Ronaldo was effective in qualifying and continues to be a consistent scorer in the Saudi Pro League. With Bruno Fernandes creating chances and Roberto Martinez giving him full backing, he may not be entirely out of the race.

His goal in last year’s Nations League final against Spain showed he still has that striker’s instinct. With DR Congo, Uzbekistan and Colombia in Portugal’s relatively easy group, a few goals are certainly within reach.

Argentina’s iconic captain won the Golden Ball for best player four years ago and nearly took the Golden Boot too, until Mbappe’s late heroics in that unforgettable final.

It’s hard to see him surpassing his seven-goal tally from Qatar, but you can never rule out Lionel Messi. He’s been in top form for Inter Miami in 2025 and was again the top scorer in South American qualifiers.

Facing Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group stage will show whether Argentina can recreate that same chemistry that brought them glory last time.

It’s remarkable that Brazil’s all-time leading scorer enters this World Cup as a 175/1 outsider according to some bookmakers.

No one quite knows what shape Neymar is in or how Carlo Ancelotti plans to use him, but his teammates in the Selecao attack could easily steal the headlines.

Barcelona winger Raphinha has been outstanding for Brazil — the third-highest scorer after Neymar and Lucas Paqueta — and often led the attack when Neymar was unavailable.

Morocco may pose some challenge, but Scotland and Haiti could offer a chance for a group-stage goal fest — perhaps even an Oleg Salenko-type situation.

The man who broke England’s hearts at the Euro 2024 final is now Spain’s main striker.

Real Sociedad forward Mikel Oyarzabal has matured beyond his former super-sub role, taking over as Spain’s first-choice striker after Luis de la Fuente dropped Alvaro Morata from the squad entirely.

Oyarzabal arrives at the World Cup after the best season of his career, and Spain’s creative midfield should provide him with plenty of service.

With Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and a struggling Uruguay in their group, it’s a prime chance for him to make his mark.

The former Crystal Palace star racked up 31 assists and 22 goals for Bayern Munich last season — an impressive double threat.

It will be fascinating to see how Michael Olise fits into France’s attacking trio of superstars.

His hat-trick in France’s warm-up game against Northern Ireland — capped with a stunning third goal — suggests he’s geared up to challenge even Mbappe for the spotlight.

Keep an eye on him — Olise is already among the world’s elite wingers.

Erling Haaland heads to the World Cup after claiming his third Premier League Golden Boot in four seasons.

Only one player scored more goals across Europe’s top five leagues in 2025–26, and no top-scorer discussion is complete without mentioning Norway’s goal machine.

He dominated UEFA qualifying with 16 goals — double that of any other player — as Norway reached their first World Cup of the century with a perfect record.

Haaland could score freely against Iraq, though tougher tests await against France and Senegal.

Norway are dark horses for sure, but whether they can go as deep as the major contenders remains doubtful.

As noted earlier, Raphinha has stepped up in Neymar’s absence for Brazil. That contrasts with Vinicius Junior’s inconsistent national record — just nine goals in 49 matches, far below his Real Madrid standards.

Yet 2026 could be his breakthrough year. He’s been in sensational form and will relish being the focal point without Mbappe dominating the spotlight.

If Vini Jr can’t score against Haiti or Scotland, his Ballon d’Or dream might fade fast.

It might seem bold to rank one of the youngest players so high, but Lamine Yamal is no ordinary 18-year-old.

While not yet a prolific scorer, his potential is extraordinary — reminiscent of Pele’s rise in 1958. He thrives under pressure and could be ready for a breakout performance.

His fitness, after a recent hamstring issue, will be key. Spain’s early matches against Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay will give a good indication of where he stands.

The 2022 Golden Boot winner is again the bookmakers’ favourite to retain the title — and with good reason.

Mbappe is France’s all-time top scorer and consistently performs on the biggest stage, now eyeing Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup goal record.

However, France’s tough group and the presence of other prolific attackers could limit his chances slightly.

No player has ever won the Golden Boot twice, but Harry Kane has a strong chance to change that in 2026.

Kane recently secured his second European Golden Shoe in three years and scored a career-best 61 goals for Bayern Munich — one of the finest individual seasons ever.

The England captain ended his club season with a cup final hat-trick and also scored in England’s last friendly before the tournament.

With Thomas Tuchel’s system perfectly suited to him, and Kane himself saying he feels fitter than ever, the signs are promising.

England’s group — featuring Panama, Croatia and Ghana — looks manageable. Kane famously scored a hat-trick against Panama when he won the Golden Boot in 2018. Could history repeat itself?