The competition for the 2026 FIFA North America World Cup trophy has narrowed to eight teams, intensifying the race for the Golden Boot among the world's top scorers.
Currently, Lionel Messi of Argentina leads the scoring race with 8 goals, while Kylian Mbappe of France, Erling Haaland of Norway, and Harry Kane of England are in hot pursuit.
Messi, who scored in Argentina's 3-2 victory over Egypt in the Round of 16, has now netted in nine consecutive World Cup matches, setting a remarkable record. This goal also marked his 21st career World Cup goal.
Messi is responsible for taking penalties and set pieces for the Argentina national team, and with most of the team's attacking plays flowing through him, he is expected to add to his tally in the remaining tournament matches.
Mbappe and Haaland are both tied for second place with 7 goals each. The 2022 Qatar World Cup Golden Boot winner, Mbappe, is aiming for a historic second consecutive Golden Boot, showcasing his speed and finishing ability. He has scored in every match except for the group stage game against Norway, where he provided 2 assists in a 4-1 win.
Support from key teammates bolsters their chances. Michael Olise leads the tournament with 5 assists, while Ousmane Dembele has contributed 6 attacking points (4 goals, 2 assists), enhancing Mbappe's hopes for a repeat.
Haaland, making his World Cup debut, is also a strong contender for the Golden Boot. He has scored in all four matches he has played, including a brace in the Round of 16 against Brazil, which ended 2-1.
Haaland's scoring efficiency is impressive, with 18 shots taken across four matches. He averages 4.5 shots per 90 minutes, ranking 14th overall, but boasts 3 effective shots, placing him third. His conversion rate for effective shots is an astounding 67%, with a goal scored for every 1.7 effective shots.
Following closely is England's Kane with 6 goals. He scored the decisive penalty in England's 3-2 win over Mexico in the Round of 16, marking his 14th World Cup goal and surpassing the late Pele's total of 12, placing him joint fifth on the all-time World Cup scoring list.
Kane, who is also the designated penalty taker for his team, has a tactical advantage in the Golden Boot race. His role as a '9.5' allows him to operate between the front line and midfield, creating opportunities for teammates like Jude Bellingham to score, which has eased defensive pressure on him.
With the quarterfinal matchups set, key showdowns among Golden Boot contenders are on the horizon. Notably, the quarterfinal clash between England and Norway on July 12 in Miami will see Kane and Haaland face off directly. The outcome of this single-elimination match will determine if either player can continue to add to their scoring tally, making it a pivotal moment in the race for the Golden Boot.
The competition for the assist leader is also heating up, with Olise being pursued by Brahim Diaz of Morocco, who has 4 assists. Both players will compete in the quarterfinal match between France and Morocco on July 10 in Boston.
In total, the quarterfinals of the North America World Cup feature six European nations (France, Spain, England, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway), one South American nation (Argentina), and one African nation (Morocco). All four quarterfinal matches will take place in the United States, including Spain vs. Belgium on July 11 in Los Angeles and Argentina vs. Switzerland on July 12 in Kansas City.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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