Out of the 48 teams set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 42 have been grouped, and predictions for the Golden Boot contenders are starting to emerge. Among the list of potential winners are several rising stars along with some of the sport’s well-known veterans.
Let’s examine the DraftKings Sportsbook odds as of December 5th.
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Kylian Mbappé: +600 (bet $10 to win $70 total)
Harry Kane: +650 (bet $10 to win $75 total)
Lionel Messi: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Erling Haaland: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Lamine Yamal: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Cristiano Ronaldo: +1800 (bet $10 to win $190 total)
Lautaro Martinez: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Usman Development: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Nick Woltemade: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Romelu Lukaku: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Vinicius Junior: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Alvaro Morata: +2500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Mikel Oyarzabal: +2800 (bet $10 to win $290 total)
Julián Alvarez: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Rafinha: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Ferran Torres: +3000 (bet $10 to win $310 total)
Richarlison: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Cunha Mateus: +3500 (bet $10 to win $260 total)
Purchase Saka: 4000 (total $10)
Contenders
Kylian Mbappé stands out as France’s top player and is set to take over as captain after the 2022 World Cup. He earned the Golden Boot in the previous tournament with eight goals, including a hat trick in the final, and played a crucial role in helping France claim the title in 2018. At the club level, he has won several Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain, been named Ligue 1 Player of the Year multiple times, and is set for a high-profile move to Real Madrid ahead of the 2024-25 season. Mbappé needs just five more goals to surpass Miroslav Klose (16) as the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
Harry Kane is England’s all-time top scorer with 78 international goals and has represented his country at several major tournaments, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, along with three European Championships. He’s claimed multiple scoring titles in the Bundesliga with Bayern Munich and has secured the Premier League Golden Boot three times while being Tottenham Hotspur’s all-time leading scorer. Kane is consistently selected for Team of the Season honors in domestic and European leagues, maintaining his status as England’s primary striker heading into 2026.
Lionel Messi, a household name in football, holds numerous significant records, including:
- Oldest male player to score five goals in a single World Cup
- The only player to score in a World Cup during his teens, 20s, and 30s
- One of just four players to contribute 19 goals in World Cups since 1966 (just one more would bring him to 20). Others include Miroslav Klose, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Gerd Müller (each with 19 goals)
- One of six players to have participated in five World Cups, alongside Rafa Marquez (Mexico), Antonio Carvajal (Mexico), Lothar Matthäus (Germany), Andres Guardado (Mexico), and Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Erling Haaland is arguably the best striker globally. The Manchester City forward has surpassed 100 goals in the Premier League and played a key role in helping the club secure its inaugural Champions League title. With an astonishing goal record, especially for the Norwegian national team, Haaland has netted 55 goals in just 48 appearances.
Lamine Yamal, a right winger for FC Barcelona, is recognized as one of Spain’s promising young international talents. He made history as Spain’s youngest player and significantly contributed to winning the Euro 2024 title, providing vital goals and assists. Yamal’s breakout performance this season included consistent contributions in La Liga and the Champions League, and he achieved a remarkable runner-up position in the Ballon d’Or for teenagers.
Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal’s all-time leader in goals and matches played, boasting participation in five FIFA World Cups and various European Championships, including winning the Euro 2016 title and the 2019 Nations League. At the club level, he has clinched league titles in England, Spain, and Italy, as well as five UEFA Champions League titles and five Ballon d’Or awards. Ronaldo is among the sport’s most decorated players and will continue to represent Portugal through the 2026 cycle.
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Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights emerging talents alongside seasoned veterans who could shape the future of the game. The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be a historic event with the competition to claim the Golden Boot heating up, making it a spectacle fans won’t want to miss.
