World Cup Top Scorer Odds: Mbappe and Kane can blaze the trail for a memorable Golden Boot race

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is nearly upon us and so it's time to settle on your pre-tournament bets. One of the most popular markets for punters at Betfred is Top Goalscorer. France's Kylian Mbappe walked away with the Golden Boot in Qatar four years ago after an impressive eight-goal haul.

As such, he is the favourite to repeat this feat in North America. But who is the biggest threat to him this summer? Below I take a look at the leading contenders in the market using the World Cup Top Goalscorer Odds.

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Kylian Mbappe @ 11/2

Mbappe is 27 now and entering his peak years. His 12 goals in 14 games at the finals to date highlight his talent and his reliability on this stage. France are the number one ranked side in the world heading into the tournament and they're expected to have another crack at becoming champions for the third time.

Their star man is going to have a huge part in this because he is person who often delivers an individual moment of brilliance to help Les Bleus keep pushing on. Mbappe scored a hat-trick in the final against Argentina four years ago, so he's very much a man for the big occasion.

The attacker has eight goals in his last nine appearances for his country and he also bagged 42 goals in 42 matches for Real Madrid in 2025/26. He looks like he'll be the one to beat once again.

World Cup Odds

Harry Kane @ 6/1

England's all-time top scorer Harry Kane will be hoping to be in the conversation having bagged himself eight goals in 11 appearances at the World Cup finals. He won the Golden Boot in 2018 with six goals, so he will be looking to repeat this feat in 2026.

The veteran striker has just had three prolific seasons with Bayern Munich, with the latest seeing him record a staggering 61 goals in 51 appearances across all competitions.

He's in great shape ahead of the tournament, so given he gets the service he requires and the Three Lions can venture deep, Kane will pose a huge threat to Mbappe in the Golden Boot race.

Lionel Messi @ 12/1

This looks to be one last hurrah for Lionel Messi on the World Cup stage. The good news for the Argentine is that he has already fulfilled his dream of winning this competition. Going back-to-back would only cement his image as the greatest footballer of all time.

But the legendary figure drag his country through like he did four years ago? The 38-year-old is Argentina's leading scorer at the World Cup with 13 goals to date across the previous five tournament finals.

Everyone is hoping for one last dose of Messi magic at this level and sentimentalists would love to see him win the Golden Boot but I do think there are stronger contenders standing in his way.

Mikel Oyarzabal @ 12/1

After scoring the decisive goal against England in the Euro 2024 final in Germany, Mikel Oyarzabal is set for a leading role in the Spain team at this World Cup. The Real Sociedad attacker scored six goals in as many qualifiers and looks to have the complete trust of manager Luis de la Fuente.

The Spaniard has just enjoyed his best goalscoring campaign in La Liga with La Real, registering 15 in 34 appearances. La Roja are the pre-tournament favourites and should they go as far as the final, Oyarzabal could be s shrewd bet for top goalscorer.

Lamine Yamal @ 14/1

He's followed in the betting by teammate Lamine Yamal, the brightest young talent in the world. The 18-year-old winger impressed at Euro 24 and he too has just experienced his best-scoring season in La Liga, bagging 16 goals in 28 outings for champions Barcelona.

Yamal was also on hand to score six goals in 10 UEFA Champions League games for the Blaugrana.

As a penalty taker, he'd be a very tempting bet at 14/1.

Erling Haaland @ 14/1

Welcome to the party pal. Erling Haaland is about to embark on his first-ever World Cup campaign as Norway have returned to this stage for the first time in 28 years.

The striker is one of the most reliable goalscorers in the world. He's enjoyed four prolific years at Manchester City, with each campaign surpassing the 30-goal mark across all competitions.

He's already Norway's all-time top scorer with 55 goals in 49 appearances, with 16 of them coming in their World Cup qualifying campaign. Norway are expected to have a good run in North America and I would expect Haaland to be at the heart of it.

Cristiano Ronaldo @ 20/1

Like his long-time rival Messi, this World Cup might be the last for Portugal icon Cristiano Ronaldo. He's one goal away from equalling compatriot Eusebio for the most number of goals at the tournament finals.

The 41-year-old has always kept his body in shape to prolong his playing career and he'll hoping for vindication if his side can go all the way this summer. Ronaldo continues to be starter for his country but in his past five appearances at the World Cup finals, he's only been prolific once.

He scored four at the 2018 edition in Russia, including a hat-trick against Spain. All other tournaments have seen him score just once, so this is a bet I wouldn't recommend.