Ronaldo was left out of the clash of titans. Who will decide the Golden Boot of the 2026 World Cup?

The first-line stars did not wait long to announce their intentions for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As the opening days of the tournament unfolded, the race for the Golden Boot ignited early after Lionel Messi’s name was mentioned with a historic hat-trick and Kylian Mbappe, Erling Holland and Harry Kane scored a brace each. The competition heated up from the opening round.

While Messi stole the limelight in pursuit of records, Mbappe confirmed he has no intention of relinquishing the top goalscorer throne he holds in 2022, while Holland sent a strong message at his first World Cup, opening the race between the world’s greatest goal machines.

Harry Kane was not left out after opening his account with two goals to establish his regular presence in the big games, competing with Messi, Mbappe and Holland in an early race that does not seem to recognize differences in names or previous achievements, but what each star will offer in front of goal in the coming weeks.

With a legend looking for new glory, a French star chasing a second title, a Norwegian goalscorer writing his first chapter on the world stage and an England captain who doesn’t know how to give up, fans are waiting to see who can settle one of the most exciting individual battles of the 2026 World Cup.

Also read: Between Messi’s brilliance and Ronaldo’s shock… goal abundance and historic numbers sum up the opening rounds of the World Cup.