The chase for the World Cup trophy is on, but that’s not the only hardware up for grabs.
Read more Florida man arrested after dog found dead at ranch, other animals found neglected, deputies say
The Golden Boot will be given to the player with the most goals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Though the tournament is less than a week old, a star-studded race has already emerged for the award.
Here’s a look at the Golden Boot race through June 16.
1. Lionel Messi, Argentina: 3 goals
Lionel Messi opened his and Argentina’s World Cup title defense with a bang, scoring a hat trick in their first group-stage match against Algeria on Tuesday. He also tied the all-time World Cup goals record in the 3-0 victory, reaching 16 and tying Germany’s Miroslav Klose. Messi will have a chance to surpass Klose when Argentina battles Austria at Dallas Stadium on Monday.
T-2. Kylian Mbappé, France: 2 goals
The reigning Golden Boot winner picked up where he left off in France’s first match against Senegal, netting two goals in a 3-1 win. At just 27 years old, Mbappé has already moved up to a tie for fourth on the all-time World Cup goals list with 14.
T-2. Erling Haaland, Norway: 2 goals
Erling Haaland secured a brace in his World Cup debut with Norway on Tuesday and led his country to a 4-1 win over Iraq. The Manchester City star already owns the record for goals in a Premier League season, and he continued his scoring prowess on soccer’s biggest stage.
Read more NWS warns of heat risk; brush fire smoke causes ‘unhealthy’ air quality
T-2. Folarin Balogun, U.S.: 2 goals
Folarin Balogun scored twice in the U.S. men’s national team’s statement win against Paraguay in Los Angeles on Friday. The AS Monaco star scored two first-half goals and set the tone in the tournament co-host’s 4-1 triumph.
T-2. Kai Havertz, Germany: 2 goals
Kai Harvertz scored twice in Germany’s 7-1 rout of Curacao, netting a penalty in first-half stoppage time and adding a second goal late in the second half.
T-2. Yasin Ayari, Sweden: 2 goals
Like Havertz, Yasin Ayari was the lead goalscorer in his team’s lopsided win to open the tournament. He got Sweden on the board against Tunisia with a strike in the seventh minute and put a bow on a 5-1 win with a second goal in second-half extra time.
T-2. Elijah Just, New Zealand: 2 goals
New Zealand needed Elijah Just’s two goals to earn a point against Iran, as the two sides drew 2-2 on Monday.
Read more Brush fires burn over 4,500 acres in Miami-Dade; officials urge caution amid smoke