Home / Sports / Football / Photos / In Photos | FIFA World Cup 2026: Golden boot race heats up as Messi, Mbappe, Kane shine

In Photos | FIFA World Cup 2026: Golden boot race heats up as Messi, Mbappe, Kane shine

Updated On: 06 July, 2026 08:03 PM IST | Atharva Upasani

England captain Harry Kane set the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot on fire after scoring a brilliant late brace against Congo DR, drawing level with Erling Haaland at five goals, while closing in on Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe at the top of the most goals list. (Pics: AFP)

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Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe (File pics)
Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe (File pics)
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Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with six goals in four matches, along with two assists. He started with a brace as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup 2026 opener

Kylian Mbappe leads the Golden Boot race with six goals in four matches, along with two assists. He started with a brace as France defeated Senegal 3-1 in their World Cup 2026 opener

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Lionel Messi is currently at 6 goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With his goal against Jordan, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also moved to 19 career World Cup goals, the most by anyone in the tournament's history

Lionel Messi is currently at 6 goals at the FIFA World Cup 2026. With his goal against Jordan, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner also moved to 19 career World Cup goals, the most by anyone in the tournament's history

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Norwegian star Erling Haaland began his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a brace in Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq, followed by another two goals in a 3-1 victory against Senegal. His recent winner against Ivory Coast has taken him to five World Cup goals.

Norwegian star Erling Haaland began his FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with a brace in Norway's 4-1 win over Iraq, followed by another two goals in a 3-1 victory against Senegal. His recent winner against Ivory Coast has taken him to five World Cup goals.

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Brazil star Vinicius Junior also has four goals in the tournament but trails Dembele as he has only one assist. He is currently fifth on the list.

Brazil star Vinicius Junior also has four goals in the tournament but trails Dembele as he has only one assist. He is currently fifth on the list.

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While Mbappe and Messi currently lead the charts, Haaland, Kane, Dembele, and Vinicius Junior are all within striking distance, setting up an intense battle for the tournament's top scorer award in the matches ahead.

While Mbappe and Messi currently lead the charts, Haaland, Kane, Dembele, and Vinicius Junior are all within striking distance, setting up an intense battle for the tournament's top scorer award in the matches ahead.

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