As of June 19, 2026, after the first two matchdays of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the race for the Golden Boot is heating up. Verified reports from FIFA and major sports outlets indicate that several players have scored two goals each, including Kylian Mbappé (France), Lionel Messi (Argentina), and a few others. No player has yet scored a hat-trick.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, has seen a mix of expected and surprise performers. Mbappé's pace and finishing have been key for France, while Messi's creativity and set-piece prowess have kept Argentina in contention. Other players with two goals include Enner Valencia (Ecuador) and Mehdi Taremi (Iran), according to match reports.
Analysts note that the expanded format (48 teams) has led to more goals in the group stage, but the top scorer race remains open. Historical data shows that the Golden Boot winner often emerges from a team that reaches the semifinals, so players from strong teams like Brazil, England, or Germany could still surge ahead.
For bettors and fans, the value lies in players with favorable fixtures in matchday 3. For example, Mbappé faces a weaker defense, while Messi's Argentina needs a win to advance. However, no verified predictions can be made at this stage.
