Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

World Cup Golden Boot contenders have made a fast start, with Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland already setting the pace in the scoring race at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi leads with five goals in two matches after scoring twice in Argentina national football team’s 2-0 win over Austria national football team. The race matters because several elite forwards are already in form, and the expanded knockout path could give the leading scorers more chances before the final on July 19.

For more on Messi’s record-breaking tournament, read Lionel Messi World Cup Goalscorer Record Falls As Argentina Star Passes Miroslav Klose, while official tournament details are available through the FIFA World Cup 2026 page.

Messi Sets The Early Pace

Messi moved past Miroslav Klose’s men’s World Cup record with his first goal against Austria, then added another in stoppage time to reach 18 career tournament goals.

The Argentina captain also scored a hat-trick against Algeria national football team, making him the clear early leader. With Argentina still strongly placed, he could raise the mark again if the world champions go deep.

Mbappe sits one goal behind Messi after scoring twice in France national football team’s 3-0 win over Iraq national football team.

His first goal against Iraq was struck from outside the box into the top corner, helping France reach the last 32. Mbappe now has 16 career World Cup goals, two behind Messi.

Haaland, Kane And Others Chase

Haaland has scored four goals in his first World Cup for Norway national football team, who have already reached the knockout stage.

Norway face France for top spot in Group I, setting up a direct scoring duel between Haaland and Mbappe. Harry Kane also remains in the race after scoring twice for England national football team against Croatia national football team.

Vinicius Junior has two goals for Brazil national football team, while Folarin Balogun, Jonathan David, Mikel Oyarzabal and Deniz Undav remain outside chances after bright starts.