The 2026 World Cup is over, and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. With the expanded 48-nation tournament coming to a close, following a month of thrilling action in North America, which star has taken home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL lists the tournament's most prolific performers.
Four nations made debuts at the 2026 World Cup, with Cape Verde, Curacao, Jordan and Uzbekistan gracing the grandest stage in international football for the first time. It was the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, before succumbing to Lionel Messi's Argentina in a classic.
Harry Kane has officially become England's greatest-ever World Cup goalscorer, eclipsing a record held by Gary Lineker for 36 years. The historic moment occurred during the Three Lions' victory over Panama, prompting a hilarious and foul-mouthed exchange between Lineker and Micah Richards.
Jordan Henderson has admitted that "time flies" after the former Liverpool captain etched his name into the record books during England's World Cup victory over Panama. The veteran midfielder became the first Three Lions international in history to feature in four different World Cup tournaments.
Jude Bellingham has bestowed the "greatest ever" title upon Harry Kane after the England captain once again rewrote the history books on the world stage. The Real Madrid superstar played a pivotal role as the Three Lions secured their spot at the top of Group L with a hard-fought victory over Panama.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is facing a full-blown selection crisis at right-back after Jarrell Quansah became the latest casualty of a damaging 2026 World Cup campaign. The Bayer Leverkusen defender was forced off during the Three Lions' 2-0 victory over Panama, leaving the coaching staff sweating over his availability for the knockout rounds.
Al Rustaq
