World Cup Golden Boot race explained with lightning now set to strike twice

France forward Kylian Mbappe is now strong favourite to clinch the World Cup Golden Boot for a second time after scoring twice against England in the crazy Bronze Medal game.

Back in 2022, the Golden Boot was awarded to Mbappe after he scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina.

Ahead of that game, both Mbappe and Lionel Messi entered the Lusail Stadium in Qatar with five goals to their name, a pattern that has repeated itself at the 2026 World Cup.

At the time of writing, Mbappe leads the way with 10 goals and four assists, while Messi, also with four assists is sat second with eight goals ahead of Argentina's final against Spain.

Kylian Mbappe won the Golden Boot at the 2022 World Cup. Image. credit: Getty

How is the Golden Boot decided?

• The award will be handed to the player who scores the most goals in the final competition.
• If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) shall be decisive.
• If two or more players are still equal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing fewer minutes ranked first.

Who are the contenders for the Golden Boot?

• Kylian Mbappe (10 goals + 4 assists)
• Lionel Messi (8 goals + 4 assists)

Every previous Golden Boot winner since 2002

2022 — Kylian Mbappe (8 goals + 2 assists)

2018 — Harry Kane (6 goals)

2014 — James Rodríguez (6 goals + 2 assists)

2010 — Thomas Muller (5 goals + 3 assists)

2010 — Diego Forlan (5 goals + 1 assist)

2010 — Wesley Sneijder (5 goals + 1 assist)

2010 — David Villa (5 goals + 1 assist)

2006 — Miroslav Klose (5 goals + 3 assists)

2002 — Ronaldo (8 goals)