Valentine Phoenix Overview

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.

Sebastian Beccacece has officially stepped down as the head coach of Ecuador following their round of 32 elimination from the 2026 World Cup at the hands of Mexico. The Argentine tactician confirmed his departure immediately after the full-time whistle at the Estadio Azteca on Tuesday night.

Roberto Alvarado made World Cup history with three assists, while Gilberto Mora shined again as Mexico beat Ecuador to reach the World Cup quarterfinals.