Kylian Mbappe And Lionel Messi Are The Joint-Favourites For The 2026 World Cup Golden Boot
Canada, Mexico, USA | 2026 World Cup | June 11-July 19 |
With the greatest football extravaganza on earth well underway, BetVictor News takes a look through the latest 2026 World Cup top goalscorer odds. As expected, a number of the planet’s finest forwards are all favoured to shine in North America this summer and a number of already hit the ground running.
World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds: Kylian Mbappe And Lionel Messi 5/2
France captain Kylian Mbappe and Argentina superstar Lionel Messi are the 5/2 joint-favourites to land the 2026 World Cup Golden Boot after their blistering MD1 showings. Mbappe finished as the World Cup top scorer in the 2022 edition (8 goals) with Messi finishing as runner-up with seven strikes.
Both players are at the peak of their careers and it’s no surprise to see them leading the market. A theory that came to fruition after Messi equalled the record for the most World Cup goals after he scored a stunning treble against Algeria. Mbappe helped his cause with a brace against Senegal which means he has scored 14 finals goals overall.
Unsurprisingly, both nations are among the favourites in the World Cup outright winner market.
Erling Haaland And Lamine Yamal World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds
Norway’s Erling Haaland is the third-favourite alongside at 6/1 after he scored twice against Iraq. Spanish wonderkid Lamine Yamal’s priced dropped from 6’s before the tournament to 50/1 after the surprise 0-0 draw with Cape Verde.
It’s no secret that Haaland is a goal machine who almost single handedly fired the Scandinavians to the first finals appearance since 1998. As for Yamal, what more can you say about him? He has enjoyed another glorious campaign at club level and will be looking to build on his Euro 2024 win with La Roja.
Both players provide strong value – especially Yamal – but realistically, the Barca superstar has the better chance of advancing further in the tournament. Spain are currently 11/2 to go all the way.
Lionel Messi Can Be Backed At 5/2 To Win The World Cup Golden Boot
After his stunning exploits four years ago in Qatar, and his opening round hat-trick against Algeria on June 17, it’s hard to look past Lionel Messi. It was only Kylian Mbappe’s 2022 World Cup final hat-trick that stopped Messi winning the Golden Boot last time out. Nonetheless, the Argentine ace won the tournament which obviously meant much more to him.
This is surely the iconic number 10’s last rodeo and when it comes to World Cup betting, the global superstar is always worth considering. And he has made the perfect start in his quest for more individual honours. Playing for the defending champions, the Argentine’s are tipped to go far in North America and if they do, much of that will be down to Messi’s goals.
Other Strong Contenders In The World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds Market
Having scored twice against minnows Curacao on MD1, Kai Havertz’s price has dropped to 14/1. The Arsenal man is certainly worth bearing in mind if he adds tro his tally in the next group game match against the Ivory Coast.
England’s Harry Kane is decent value at 7/1. At the time of writing, he is yet to kick a ball this tournament but if he nets against Croatia, his price will certainly shorten. Elsewhere, Mikel Oyarzabal, Cristiano Ronaldo and Folarin Balogun are available at 25/1.
Long-Shots For The 2026 World Cup Golden Boot
France superstars Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembele can’t be ignored lightly. The Bayern baller is at 33/1 with PSG’s Champions League hero Dembele further back at 40/1. Sweden and Liverpool forward could be worth considering at 50/1 after he netted on MD1.
If you intend to bet on the 2026 World Cup, then please take the time to read through BetVictor’s safe and responsible gambling page which will provide good advice on how to stay in control when betting on football.
Any betting decisions should be made responsibly and there are no guarantees when it comes to match outcomes. Odds correct as of 3pm, June 17, 2026 and are subject to change.
18+ | gambleaware.org | Please gamble responsibly
