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.
Riyad Mahrez has announced his retirement from international football after Algeria's 2-0 defeat to Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup Round of 32. The former Manchester City winger brings the curtain down on a distinguished 12-year international career that included AFCON glory and 119 caps.
Comprehensive match preview of Switzerland vs Algeria at World Cup 2026. We talk tactics, team news and more ahead of this round of 32 clash at BC Place in Vancouver.
June 25, 1982 was, according to The Times, "the day that sportsmanship died". What was expected to be a fiercely competitive fixture between West Germany and Austria became a 'non-aggression pact' between two teams who effectively stopped playing during the second half of their World Cup group game in Gijon to ensure that both progressed to the second round.
Amine Gouiri struck late as Algeria came from behind to beat Jordan 2-1 in a crucial Group J clash in San Francisco. The Desert Warriors responded after a disappointing first half and turned the game around through set-piece goals. Jordan's defeat confirms their elimination from the tournament on their World Cup debut.
Alexis Mac Allister has opened up on the unique challenge of playing alongside Lionel Messi, admitting that the legendary forward’s talent is so natural it is almost impossible for others to replicate. Fresh from a dominant victory in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria, which saw Messi bag a hat-trick, the Liverpool midfielder shed light on the standards set by his captain.
Former Barcelona manager Xavi has lavished praise on Lionel Messi, comparing the Argentine icon to basketball legend Michael Jordan. The tribute comes in the wake of Messi's stunning hat-trick against Algeria at the 2026 World Cup, which saw him equal the record for the most goals ever scored at the tournament.
The Algerian Football Federation has lodged a formal complaint with FIFA following refereeing decisions made during their 3-0 World Cup opening loss to Argentina. The African nation contends that Lionel Messi and Alexis Mac Allister were incredibly fortunate to escape red cards, casting a shadow over the reigning champions' victory.
The family of Lionel Messi have confirmed that the Argentina captain's father, Jorge Messi, is currently "dealing with a health issue" that has required medical supervision. In a strongly-worded statement, the family hit out at the "irresponsible" speculation that has emerged regarding Jorge's condition during the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Thousands of Argentina fans turned Kansas City into a Lionel Messi pilgrimage, with banderazos, late-night parties and unwavering support ahead of the World Cup opener.
Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe has expressed his immense pride after breaking Olivier Giroud's record to become the all-time leading goalscorer for the France national team. Following his crucial brace against Senegal in their opening 2026 World Cup match, the prolific forward is now setting his sights on breaking the all-time tournament record currently held by Lionel Messi.
Brazilian legend Ronaldo has declared that Lionel Messi is undisputedly the greatest player of all time following his spectacular hat-trick against Algeria. The historic display saw the Inter Miami superstar guide defending champions Argentina to a perfect 3-0 victory in their World Cup opener against Algeria, matching records and leaving former Real Madrid icon Ronaldo completely awestruck.
Rodrigo De Paul has praised the incredible team mentality of Argentina captain Lionel Messi after his record-equalling hat-trick at the World Cup. Despite tying Miroslav Klose’s all-time tournament goalscoring record, the veteran forward remains entirely focused on collective success rather than individual glory, proving his irreplaceable value to the South American champions.
Lionel Messi enjoyed a historic night as Argentina dispatched Algeria 3-0 in their World Cup opener, but the victory was marred by a controversial incident that left fans and pundits questioning the officiating. The Inter Miami star netted a sensational hat-trick to equal the all-time tournament goals record, yet many believe he should not have been on the pitch to complete the feat.
Algeria
.jpg?quality=60&auto=webp&format=pjpg&width=400)
