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Messi Mbappe Haaland World Cup Golden boot 16:9

World Cup Golden Boot standings: Messi moves ahead of Mbappe

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.

Belgium v Senegal: Round Of 32 - FIFA World Cup 2026

Lukaku admits he wasn't mentally ready to take Belgium's penalty vs Senegal

Romelu Lukaku has explained why he handed over penalty duties during Belgium's dramatic 3-2 extra-time victory over Senegal. Despite being the nation's all-time leading scorer, the Napoli forward felt unable to take the high-pressure spot-kick in the dying moments of the World Cup round of 32 clash. The decision cleared the way for Youri Tielemans to become the hero as the Red Devils completed a stunning comeback.

US WC26 SEATTLE SOCCER 1/16 FINALES BELGIUM RED DEVILS VS SENEGA

Tielemans addresses on-pitch scuffle with Trossard

Youri Tielemans has moved to downplay a heated on-field confrontation with Belgium team-mate Leandro Trossard during their dramatic World Cup round of 32 victory over Senegal. The Aston Villa midfielder and the Arsenal star were involved in a physical scuffle during a second-half hydration break before combining to inspire a remarkable Red Devils comeback.

Spain v Cabo Verde: Group H - FIFA World Cup 2026

How have debutant teams performed at the FIFA World Cup?

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 is the tournament with the most newcomers since 2006 and Cape Verde have achieved the feat of ending a 16-year wait for a debutant to reach the knockout stages, with the African nation to face Lionel Messi's Argentina on Friday.

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'He's the Ballon d'Or winner!' - Mbappe bites back at Dembele's critics

France star Kylian Mbappe has fiercely defended his international team-mate Ousmane Dembele following criticism of the winger's performance against Senegal. Speaking ahead of France's second 2026 World Cup fixture against Iraq, the Real Madrid forward reminded everyone of Dembele's tactical value and Ballon d'Or status, while also opening up on the pressures of captaincy and Michael Olise's impact.

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Mbappe 'incredibly proud' after breaking France record

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.

France v Senegal: Group I - FIFA World Cup 2026

Henry snubs Mbappe for 'most important' star

Thierry Henry has claimed that Michael Olise has overtaken Kylian Mbappe as France's "most important player" following their impressive World Cup victory over Senegal. While Mbappe made history by becoming the nation's all-time leading goalscorer during the 3-1 win, it was the Bayern Munich star who caught the eye of the legendary striker.

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Mbappe rubbishes 'revenge' mission claim after World Cup brace

Kylian Mbappe has hit back at his detractors after a record-breaking night for France, insisting he is not motivated by a desire for "revenge" against those who have questioned his form. The Real Madrid superstar delivered a masterclass in Les Bleus' World Cup opener against Senegal, scoring twice to officially become his country's all-time leading goalscorer.

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Mbappe bounces back in Olise-inspired France turnaround

They made hard work of it, but much-fancied France got their World Cup campaign off to a winning start as they eventually secured a 3-1 victory over Senegal in Group I. After a dire first-half display Les Bleus were transformed, with Kylian Mbappe - who had been particularly poor - delivering a brace either side of Bradley Barcola's fine finish to become his country's record goal-scorer.

kylian mbappe frankreich

Mbappe reveals how Madrid transfer brought unexpected freedom

France international Kylian Mbappe has opened up about his newfound freedom since joining Real Madrid. As he prepares to lead his nation in their 2026 World Cup opener against Senegal, the forward revealed how leaving his homeland has surprisingly allowed him to enjoy a more normal life, despite facing two difficult years on the pitch while his former club dominated Europe.

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Deschamps picks 'clear' World Cup favourites - and it's not France

Didier Deschamps has downplayed France's status as the leading contenders for the World Cup crown, instead pointing towards a European rival as the team to beat. Speaking ahead of Les Bleus' opening fixture against Senegal, the veteran coach insisted that while his side harbours domestic ambitions, they do not currently hold the mantle of the world's strongest team.