The race for the Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup is shaping up to be one for the history books. After just two matches, Argentina's Lionel Messi leads with five goals, followed by France's Kylian Mbappe and Norway's Erling Haaland with four each.
Germany's Deniz Undav has three goals, as does Canada's Jonathan David after a hat-trick against Qatar. A further 20 players have scored twice, including England's Harry Kane (2018 Golden Boot winner), Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo, Brazil's Vinicius Jr, and Spain's Mikel Oyarzabal.
The scoring rate suggests double figures may be needed to win the Golden Boot, a feat achieved only three times in history: Sandor Kocsis (Hungary, 1954), Just Fontaine (France, 1958), and Gerd Muller (West Germany, 1970). Fontaine holds the record with 13 goals in six matches.
The expanded 48-team format means semifinalists will play eight games. In 2006 and 2010, only five goals were enough, while no one has scored more than eight in the last 13 editions (Ronaldo in 2002 and Mbappe in 2022).
The 100th goal was scored in the 33rd match, second only to 1954. After Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan, 139 goals were scored in 45 games – the most in group stage history, surpassing 136 in 2014. The record of 172 goals (Qatar 2022) is likely to be broken.
The Adidas Trionda ball, commissioned by FIFA, may be a factor. Austria coach Ralf Rangnick said: "This ball is as fast as a cannonball. If you kick it right, it's extremely difficult to save." Hydration breaks also help players maintain peak performance.
Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo noted attackers are better protected: "20-30 years ago they were hit a lot more, rough play was common." The expanded format also creates mismatches in the group stage.
Messi, 38, scored seven goals at the last World Cup and has scored in six straight tournament matches. He missed a penalty against Austria, but Argentina has already secured top spot in Group J. His inclusion against Jordan is not guaranteed.
Mbappe faces Norway in a decisive group match. Haaland's prospects may be limited if Norway finishes second. Kane leads England against Panama, while Ronaldo may have started too late. Vinicius Jr could add to his tally against Scotland.
Source: www.aljazeera.com