The battle for the Golden Boot has changed after the dramatic clash between Argentina and Egypt. Lionel Messi moved to the top of the standings after scoring the equalizer during Argentina’s incredible 3-2 comeback victory against the Pharaohs. The Argentine captain now leads the race with eight goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland, who both remain on seven goals.
Messi started the knockout stage level with Mbappé and Haaland, but his decisive goal against Egypt allowed him to take sole possession of first place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup top scorers ranking. Harry Kane keeps fourth place with six goals, while Ismaïla Sarr, Ousmane Dembélé, Mikel Oyarzabal, Jude Bellingham, Vinícius Júnior and Julián Quiñones continue to chase the leaders with four goals each.
The final Round of 16 match between Switzerland and Colombia ended without a goal and did not affect the hierarchy. Messi now has a clear advantage in the Golden Boot race, but Haaland and Mbappé still remain serious contenders as the tournament enters its decisive phase of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Top scorers ranking:
- Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals
- Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals
- Kylian Mbappé (France) – 7 goals
- Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals
- Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal) – 4 goals
- Ousmane Dembélé (France) – 4 goals
- Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 4 goals
- Jude Bellingham (England) – 4 goals
- Julián Quiñones (Mexico) – 4 goals
- Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 4 goals
