The 2026 World Cup is underway and so is the race for the prestigious Golden Boot - the award given to the tournament's top scorer. There's a long road ahead as 48 nations battle for the top prize, but which star will take home the illustrious award? Here are GOAL's predicted candidates for the prize as we keep track of the tournament's most prolific stars
Josko Gvardiol has reportedly reached an agreement with Manchester City over a lucrative new contract that will extend his stay at the Etihad Stadium until 2031. The versatile Croatian international has decided to commit his long-term future to the Premier League champions, effectively ending a period of intense speculation regarding his career.
Luka Modric has sent a defiant message to his rivals ahead of Croatia's high-stakes World Cup opener against England, insisting that his side does not fear anyone. The AC Milan midfielder, who is appearing in his fifth global tournament, remains the heartbeat of a nation looking to replicate their deep runs in 2018 and 2022. While questions regarding his club future and potential retirement continue to swirl, the veteran midfielder is keeping his focus firmly on the pitch.
Harry Kane is already striking fear into his opponents before a ball has even been kicked in England's World Cup opener. Croatia defender Duje Caleta-Car has showered the Three Lions captain with praise, admitting the striker's intelligence makes him one of the most difficult players to nullify in world football.
Harry Kane has never made a secret of his desire to swap the football pitch for the gridiron, and now one of the NFL's biggest stars has given the England captain his seal of approval. Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, who made a similar transition from professional soccer, believes the Three Lions legend possesses the "elite" striking ability required to reach the top of American football.
Eberechi Eze has declared he will not abandon his trademark stuttered penalty run-up if called upon to take a spot-kick for England at the 2026 World Cup. Despite the pain of a recent miss in the Champions League final with Arsenal, the playmaker remains steadfast in his approach ahead of the tournament in North America.
Jordan Henderson has leapt to the defence of England team-mate Jude Bellingham, admitting he finds it "hard to read" the constant media scrutiny aimed at the Real Madrid superstar. The veteran midfielder believes Bellingham possesses a unique "X-factor" that will be vital for England's 2026 World Cup hopes in North America.
Jude Bellingham may have been billed as a generational talent, but David James has told GOAL why England are right to treat the Real Madrid superstar in the same manner as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Gascoigne. The Three Lions have not always built around their most gifted players, with Thomas Tuchel seemingly adopting that stance again in 2026.
Jordan Pickford has stated his desire to take a penalty for England, but would the Everton goalkeeper be picked to step up in a shootout if a 2026 World Cup fixture went the distance? Former Three Lions shot-stopper David James has told GOAL what Thomas Tuchel’s stance is likely to be, with history dictating that plans do need to be drawn up in that department.
Jude Bellingham has been told there will be “no hiding place” for him in the Real Madrid circus as Jose Mourinho returns as ringmaster, with ex-England international Peter Reid telling GOAL what the all-action midfielder needs to prove. A place has been found in Thomas Tuchel’s World Cup plans despite a testing campaign at club level being endured in 2025-26.
After Arsenal lost to Manchester City in April, Declan Rice, perhaps a little inadvertently, went viral. The England midfielder slumped on his heels, sprung to his feet defiantly, and was pictured shouting, "It's not done!" to his Gunners team-mates. At the time, it didn't look good; Arsenal's Premier League lead had shrunk to just three points - and City still had a game in hand.
Pep Guardiola is out of work, after leaving Manchester City, but should his sudden availability concern England boss Thomas Tuchel - a man under pressure to deliver at the 2026 World Cup? Former Three Lions star Michael Owen has given two reasons to GOAL why a German tactician filling the most demanding of roles should not fret about the shadow cast by a highly-decorated Catalan coach.
Gary Lineker has admitted he found Thomas Tuchel's decision to omit Newcastle United star Lewis Hall from England's World Cup squad "hard to understand." The former Three Lions striker questioned safe-guarding certain defensive positions while overlooking a player who has excelled at left-back throughout the current Premier League campaign.
The full extent of the security breach that rocked the England camp has been revealed, with two men officially charged in connection with the theft of £13,500 worth of equipment. Prosecutors in Jackson County have identified the suspects as two drivers for the trucking company responsible for moving the squad's gear across the United States.
England’s World Cup preparations have taken a worrying turn after Thomas Tuchel’s squad was hit with an emergency tornado warning. The Three Lions were forced to abandon their evening plans and remain confined to their hotel as severe weather struck Kansas City.
Police in Missouri have taken two individuals into custody following a shocking theft of England national team equipment ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The incident has left Thomas Tuchel’s squad facing an unexpected crisis just days before their tournament opener against Croatia.
Declan Rice has been challenged to find his "steely determination" and take control of the England hierarchy if the Three Lions are to finally end their 60-year trophy drought. Former England defender Stuart Pearce believes the Arsenal midfielder is holding back, specifically pointing to his untapped potential as a set-piece specialist.
Sir Geoff Hurst has backed Harry Kane to emulate his greatest achievement by scoring a hat-trick in a World Cup final. The 1966 legend believes the Three Lions captain is the man to finally end England's long wait for international silverware.
Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers have launched a passionate defence of Jordan Henderson amid ongoing debate over his place in England’s squad. The pair insisted the veteran midfielder’s influence extends far beyond the pitch, highlighting his leadership, humility and importance within Thomas Tuchel’s camp ahead of England’s clash with Croatia.
England's World Cup preparations have been thrown into absolute chaos following an audacious heist on their official team equipment. Key items belonging to Thomas Tuchel's squad, including the match boots of superstars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, were stolen in transit, leaving the frustrated camp with just a single training football.
After 'thirty years of hurt' for the England national team, football was meant to come 'home' in 1996. And yet 30 years on, the Three Lions still haven't won a major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. Might the most infamous title drought in international football be about to come to an end, though? England qualified for this summer's World Cup by winning all of their matches and without conceding a single goal, meaning there's a legitimate sense of optimism surrounding Thomas Tuchel's team.
Harry Kane has been urged to ignore the familiar debate that his role in England’s team continues to generate, with Chris Waddle telling GOAL why the record-shattering striker should be granted complete freedom to do whatever he wants. The Three Lions’ talismanic captain does pose their greatest goal threat, but there is no pressure on him to operate in and around the penalty area at all times.
The 2026 World Cup is finally underway as all 48 teams begin to fight it out for the universally coveted trophy. While the collective prize is the main objective for all competitors, some will be hoping to make their claim as the best player of the entire tournament. But who are the top contenders and who is leading the race for the prestigious Golden Ball?
England
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