← Back to News
2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Messi Favored After Breaking Klose's Record
History
F
Fox Sports·about 2 months ago

2026 World Cup Golden Boot: Messi Favored After Breaking Klose's Record

The Golden Boot odds seem to be changing every minute — but a few familiar names remain at the top of the board.

Lionel Messi set the all-time World Cup goals record in the first half of Argentina's match against Austria, and then scored once in extra time at game's end, giving him 18 goals all time and five through two 2026 World Cup games.

Messi has the most goals this tournament, followed by Canada's Jonathan David with three, and a host of other stars — Kylian Mbappé, Harry Kane, Erling Haaland, Vinícius Jr., Mikel Oyarzabal and Kai Havertz — with two.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race is already shaping up to be historic.

Let's dive into the updated odds at FanDuel Sportsbook as of June 22.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.

If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated.

Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

Golden Boot Winner 2026 Lionel Messi: +150 (bet $10 to win $25 total)Kylian Mbappé: +350 (bet $10 to win $45 total)Harry Kane: +500 (bet $10 to win $60 total)Mikel Oyarzabal: +1300 (bet $10 to win $140 total)Erling Haaland: +1500 (bet $10 to win $160 total)Deniz Undav: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)Lamine Yamal: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Vinícius Júnior: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Johan Manzambi: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)Jonathan David: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Folarin Balogun: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Cody Gakpo: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Kai Havertz: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Matheus Cunha: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)Ayase Ueda +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total) Here's what to know about this oddsboard: The Favorite(s): Recognize those two names atop the board?

In Argentina's opener against Algeria, with his first career World Cup hat trick, Messi tied Miroslav Klose for the most goals in men's World Cup history with 16, while also setting the record as the oldest player (38) to record a hat trick, passing Cristiano Ronaldo.

Then, in Argentina's second game against Austria, Messi scored late in the first half to pass Klose for the record, and scored once more late in the contest to put some space between himself and Klose.

Mbappé entered the tournament as the Golden Boot favorite.

The French superstar scored twice in his World Cup opener, as he became France's new all-time leader in goals with 58.

He won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and is looking to become the first player in history to win two World Cup Golden Boot awards.

Sources: Fox Sports

Get WC 2026 Updates

Match previews, results, and standings — delivered to your inbox.

Related Articles

FIFA World Cup 2026™ by numbers: inside the biggest sporting event in history
History

FIFA World Cup 2026™ by numbers: inside the biggest sporting event in history

Record-breaking tournament delivery involved 645 official sites across North America, with nearly 300,000 accredited personnel helping ensure a top-notch operation for 1,248 players and a cumulative stadium attendance of more than 6.8 million

F
FIFA Official·10 days ago
Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral Wins Goal Of 2026 World Cup For Stunner vs. Argentina
History

Cape Verde's Sidny Lopes Cabral Wins Goal Of 2026 World Cup For Stunner vs. Argentina

Cape Verde has made more World Cup history with Sidny Lopes Cabral winning the public vote for goal of the tournament.

F
Fox Sports·10 days ago
Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Reduced Role With Portugal Under New Boss Jorge Jesus
History

Cristiano Ronaldo Faces Reduced Role With Portugal Under New Boss Jorge Jesus

Cristiano Ronaldo has been told he must accept a reduced role for the Portugal national team if he is to continue his record-breaking international journey.

F
Fox Sports·11 days ago
Why many Black Americans were rooting for Argentina to lose the World Cup | Etan Thomas
History

Why many Black Americans were rooting for Argentina to lose the World Cup | Etan Thomas

Many Black Americans were not cheering Spain’s complicated history. They were rooting against the racism, politics and silence associated with Argentina There are moments in sports when you realize people aren’t just watching the score any more. They

T
The Guardian·16 days ago
Legend Zenga salutes record-breaker Simon
History

Legend Zenga salutes record-breaker Simon

Talent recognises talent and, as the saying goes, records are there to be broken.

F
FIFA Official·17 days ago
Spain have ingredients for more history in 2030
History

Spain have ingredients for more history in 2030

Spain’s players have earned after their magnificent triumph, which delivered the second world title in the nation’s history. But as one chapter closes, another question is already beginning to form: can La Roja do it all over again in 2030?

F
FIFA Official·17 days ago