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A total of 42 out of the 48 teams set to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been organized into groups, and the odds for the Golden Boot are starting to emerge. Among the top contenders, several young talents stand out alongside seasoned stars.
Let’s examine the DraftKings Sportsbook odds as of December 5th.
2026 Golden Boot Favorites
- 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: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
- Bukayo Saka: +4000 (bet $10 to win $410 total)
Mbappé, the most accomplished active player for France, is set to take over as captain following the 2022 World Cup. He notably clinched the Golden Boot during that tournament with eight goals, including a hat trick in the final, and has significantly contributed to France’s success in the 2018 World Cup.
At the club level, he has secured several Ligue 1 titles with Paris Saint-Germain and has been honored as Ligue 1 Player of the Year multiple times. He made a prominent switch to Real Madrid before the 2024-25 season and is just five goals shy of Mirsolave Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.
Harry Kane stands as England’s top scorer with 78 international goals and has showcased his skills in various major competitions, including the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and three European Championships. He has earned several Bundesliga scoring titles with Bayern Munich, three Premier League Golden Boots with Tottenham Hotspur, and is the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Though widely known, Lionel Messi’s record is worth a mention:
- Oldest male player to score five goals in a single World Cup
- The only player to score in World Cups during his teens, 20s, and 30s
- One of just four players to contribute 19 goals in World Cup history
Erling Haaland is making waves as one of the most lethal strikers globally. The Manchester City superstar has netted over 100 Premier League goals and was instrumental in winning the club’s first-ever Champions League title, showcasing a remarkable scoring rate with the Norwegian national team.
Lamine Yamal, a right winger for FC Barcelona, is one of Spain’s most exciting young players and became the youngest player ever to represent Spain. He played a vital role in Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, contributing goals and assists, while his breakout season saw him shine in La Liga and the Champions League.
Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal’s all-time top scorer and appearance leader, has participated in five FIFA World Cups along with multiple European Championships, winning the Euro 2016 and the 2019 Nations League. His impressive club career includes league titles across England, Spain, and Italy, alongside five UEFA Champions League trophies and five Ballon d’Or awards.
Fan Take: This news is pivotal for soccer enthusiasts as it showcases the emerging talents competing against legendary figures. The Golden Boot race could define the tournament, adding excitement and drama that resonates with fans worldwide, enhancing the sport’s allure in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup.
