As the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the quarterfinals, a spectacular race for the Golden Boot award is underway. The expanded tournament has produced an elite group of four forwards vying for the top scorer title.

Argentina's Lionel Messi leads the pack with eight goals and one assist. At 39, the Inter Miami forward is playing in his sixth World Cup and is the tournament's all-time leading scorer with 21 career goals.

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France's Kylian Mbappe is close behind with seven goals and two assists. The Real Madrid star recently became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup knockout matches with 10 goals.

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Norway's Erling Haaland, making his World Cup debut, also has seven goals. The Manchester City striker scored twice in the final minutes to lead Norway past Brazil in the Round of 16.

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England's Harry Kane rounds out the top contenders with six goals and one assist. The Bayern Munich captain previously won the Golden Boot in 2018.

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