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World Cup Golden Boot standings: Mbappe, Haaland & Messi top chart

The 2026 World Cup is well underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long and winding road to be navigated as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here, GOAL tracks the tournament's most prolific stars.

Real Madrid receive blunt Olise transfer message

Dayot Upamecano has dismissed speculation linking Michael Olise with a move to Real Madrid, insisting the Bayern Munich winger is staying put. The France defender's comments come amid reports suggesting Los Blanco could make a record-breaking €223 million bid for the 24-year-old.

Lionel Messi Harry Kane Kylian Mbappe 2026 World Cup

Why Messi or Mbappe could deny Kane the 2026 Ballon d’Or

Jamie Carragher believes Harry Kane deserves to win the 2026 Ballon d’Or based on his performances over the past year. However, the former Liverpool defender argues that the award is likely to go to Lionel Messi or Kylian Mbappe if Argentina or France lift the World Cup, leaving England’s captain at a disadvantage.

Paraguay v France: Round of 16 - FIFA World Cup 2026

‘I'd get four red cards!’ - Zlatan on Paraguay’s ‘dirty tricks’

Former Manchester United forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic has admitted he would have struggled to maintain his composure during France’s ill-tempered World Cup victory over Paraguay. The Swedish legend praised Les Bleus for keeping their cool in the face of relentless physical provocation during the knockout encounter.

📽️ | Mbappe scores despite Paraguay's penalty spot mind games

Kylian Mbappe refused to be distracted after a Paraguay player attempted to scuff the penalty spot before his decisive spot-kick. The France star converted with confidence, drew level with Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and celebrated in front of his opponents as Les Bleus secured their place in the quarter-finals.

‘Ugly football’ - Mbappe slams 'dirty' Paraguay after France win

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at Paraguay’s physical approach, insisting that France are more than happy to "get their hands dirty" after securing a clinical 1-0 victory in the World Cup round of 16. The Real Madrid-bound superstar dismissed the South Americans' provocations with a smile before dispatching the decisive second-half penalty to set up a quarter-final date with Morocco.