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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.

Explained: Why Egypt players watched Mbappe penalty on a laptop

Egypt’s coaching staff utilised meticulous modern analytical methods to mastermind their historic World Cup knockout triumph over Australia in Dallas. Minutes before the penalty shootout commenced, players gathered around a laptop screen to study specific footage of Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappe facing Socceroos goalkeeper Mat Ryan.

'I had to do it!' - Salah scores cheeky Panenka in Egypt win

Mohamed Salah successfully executed an audacious Panenka penalty to guide Egypt into the World Cup last 16 following a dramatic shoot-out victory against Australia. The talismanic forward held his nerve from 12 yards after a tense 1-1 draw in Dallas, scripting an iconic piece of footballing history for his triumphant North African nation.