World Cup

World Cup top scorers: Messi, Mbappé and Haaland intensify race for Golden Boot

Joel Masibo 23rd June, 2026 02:40 PM

The contest for the top scorer’s award at the FIFA World Cup 2026 gathered momentum on Monday, June 22, 2026, after Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland each netted two goals for their respective nations.

Messi continued his remarkable form by scoring both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 triumph over Austria at Dallas Stadium. The veteran forward, who was approaching his 39th birthday, increased his World Cup scoring record to 18 goals and moved to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts with five goals from just two appearances.

Later in Philadelphia, France captain Mbappé matched Messi’s two-goal performance in his side’s convincing 3-0 victory over Iraq. The encounter was interrupted by a lengthy thunderstorm delay at halftime, but the French star remained unfazed. Playing his 100th match for the national team, Mbappé took his World Cup goal tally to 16, equalling the mark previously held by German legend Miroslav Klose.

Mbappe with his teammates after netting France opener against Iraq in a FIFA World Cup match on Monday, June 22, 2026. PHOTO/@equipedefrance/X

Meanwhile, at New York New Jersey Stadium, Haaland produced another standout display as Norway edged Senegal 3-2 to advance to the Round of 32. The prolific striker struck twice, bringing his tournament tally to four goals in two matches. Competing in his first-ever World Cup, the Norwegian now sits just one goal behind Messi and level with Mbappé in the race for the Golden Boot.

Despite the growing comparisons between himself and Messi, Mbappé insisted his attention remains on France’s campaign rather than individual accolades.

“Leo always scores goals and always will. So I am not looking at what he is doing. I’m just focusing on helping my team,” Mbappé said after the match.

France coach Didier Deschamps praised his captain’s achievement and suggested that more milestones could be on the horizon.

“Records are there to be broken,” Deschamps remarked after Mbappé matched Klose’s World Cup scoring record of 16 goals.

Haaland has also established himself as a serious contender for the tournament’s top scorer award. Norway had not featured at a World Cup since 1998, meaning the current campaign marks the first appearance on football’s biggest stage for the 25-year-old forward.

Norway’s Erling Haaland celebrates his goal against Iraq on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. PHOTO/https://www.facebook.com/fifaworldcup/photos

With several matches still remaining in the competition, the battle for the Golden Boot is shaping up to be one of the tournament’s most compelling storylines, as Messi, Mbappé and Haaland continue their pursuit of scoring supremacy.