The race for the Golden Shoe is heating up.

The 2026 World Cup has become the highest-scoring tournament in history. This record has further intensified the race for the Golden Boot.

This year's World Cup is highlighted by the outstanding performances of players highly rated in the race for the Golden Boot. Among them, with 5 goals in just 2 matches, Lionel Messi is currently the brightest star of the tournament. The two goals from the Argentina captain in the 2-0 victory against Austria have put him ahead of Germany's Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals.

Having already qualified for the knockout stage with one match to spare, the Argentina team has the potential to play up to six more matches if they reach the final. Therefore, given his current form, Messi is very likely to continue scoring goals.

From left to right: Will Kylian Mbappe, Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland , or Ousmane Dembele win the Golden Boot? Photo: AP

Close behind Messi is Kylian Mbappe . The French striker is now just one goal behind Messi after scoring two goals in the 3-0 victory against Iraq. Mbappe's first goal in that win was particularly impressive; his powerful shot into the top corner from outside the penalty area helped the 2018 champions advance to the round of 32 and also helped him close the gap on the Argentinian star in the race to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup finals. Currently, Mbappe is only two goals behind Messi, with a total of 16 goals.

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Having secured their place in the knockout round with a game to spare, Erling Haaland remained remarkably calm despite Norway's humiliating 1-4 defeat to France. In his first World Cup appearance, the Manchester City striker scored four goals in matches against Senegal and Iraq. However, the Norwegian superstar always knows his limits. Before the match against France, Haaland told the press: "Norway winning the World Cup is unrealistic. But let's enjoy it with all Norwegians around the world because of what has just happened." Haaland's ambition is to help Norway maintain consistent participation in the European Championships, World Cups, and other major tournaments.

The race for the Golden Boot at this year's World Cup has become even more intense after, just a few hours ago, reigning Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele scored a hat-trick in the first half, helping France beat Norway 4-1. This is the second fastest hat-trick in World Cup history, surpassed only by Erich Probst of Austria in their match against Czechoslovakia in 1954.

Including the goal scored against Iraq, Dembele now has 4 goals, level with Mbappe and Haaland, and just one goal behind Messi.

With their current form, the French national team is expected to go far in the 2026 World Cup. This means both Mbappe and Dembele have a good chance to compete with Messi. In fact, Mbappe is a strong contender to dethrone Messi as the "Top Goalscorer in World Cups" this season and in the not-too-distant future.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

Vietnam and the United States strengthen cooperation in addressing the consequences of war.VTV.vn - On June 22, General Secretary and President To Lam received Acting Secretary of the US Navy Hung Cao.

Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/the-thao/worldcup-2026/nong-bong-cuoc-dua-gianh-chiec-giay-vang-1046436