FIFA World Cup 2026: Golden Boot Winner Predictions

The FIFA World Cup is not just about countries battling for the trophy, but also a chance for players to shine. One of the biggest individual awards is the Golden Boot winner, given to the tournament’s top goalscorer. 

The award was first known as the Golden Shoe, then it was renamed in 2010. This happens at the end of the tournament where FIFA checks who scored the most in the World Cup.  

The golden boot winner prediction is one of the most featured markets to bet on. Learn more about this prestigious award and place a bet on Bet.co.za on who is most likely to walk away with it.

What Is the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot? 

As mentioned above, the golden boot winner is awarded to the player with the most wins throughout the tournament. If there’s a tie, FIFA breaks it using: 

1. Most assists – they check the player with the highest number of assists. 

2. Minutes played – they check the player who logged the fewest minutes on the field.  

There can only be one Golden Boot winner; however, there is the Silver and Bronze Boot awarded to the second and third players.  

Now, you’re wondering who might walk away with the award this year… 

Who Could Win the Golden Boot 2026? 

It is no doubt that Kylian Mbappe is a top favourite. He’s currently the reigning winner for the golden boot in the FIFA world cup 2022. He is a striker for France and Real Madrid and is known for being a goal scorer freak. For his club, Mbappe scored 25 goals in 31 appearances in La Liga. He has a good chance of winning the award again this year.  

Another player who is most likely to take the cup is Harry Kane. He won the award in 2018, and with England placed in a favourable group this year, he might excel beyond measure. For his team, Bayern Munich, he scored a total of 36 goals in 31 appearances in the Bundesliga. He is worth looking out for.  

Representing Argentina, we have Julian Alvarez, a 26-year-old attacker who is still in his prime. Alvarez scored 10 goals in 15 appearances for Atletico Madrid in the Champions League this season. He has proved his worth for being in the biggest games in the world. With Lionel Messi in the squad, he should get plenty of opportunities to make it to the top.  

Golden Boot previous winners 

Let’s take a look at the players who have won the Golden Boot award in the past ten years of the world cup.  

• 2022: Kylian Mbappé (France) – 8 goals 

• 2018: Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals 

• 2014: James Rodríguez (Colombia) – 6 goals 

• 2010: Thomas Müller (Germany) – 5 goals 

• 2006: Miroslav Klose (Germany) – 5 goals 

• 2002: Ronaldo (Brazil) – 8 goals 

• 1998: Davor Šuker (Croatia) – 6 goals 

• 1994: Oleg Salenko (Russia), Hristo Stoichkov (Bulgaria) – 6 goals (both finished with one assist) 

• 1990: Salvatore Schillaci (Italy) – 6 goals 

• 1986: Gary Lineker (England) – 6 goals 

Bet on the Golden Boot winner with Bet.co.za 

Bet on the Golden Boot winner and add even more excitement to every FIFA World Cup match. If you’re backing up the youngest established superstar, or an outside contender, every goal can bring your prediction closer to success. 

From the opening match to the final whistle of the tournament, you’ll be able to follow the race for the Golden Boot as the world’s best strikers compete for this most prestigious individual scoring award. Bet on the Fifa World Cup with Bet.co.za, track the leaderboard, and enjoy all the action as the next Golden Boot winner is crowned.