World Cup Golden Boot contenders – Can Kane see off Mbappe for the top scorer prize?

16 June 2026 at 11:57

The World Cup 2026 has officially kicked off now, and soon we’ll see some of the top Golden Boot contenders like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappe in action.

Mbappe won the top scorer prize at the 2022 World Cup, scoring eight times, including a hat-trick in France’s final defeat to Argentina.

Four years before that, Kane was the winner as he scored six goals, but could we still see veterans like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi in contention?

See below for a list of the top ten contenders for the World Cup Golden Boot as the bookies have picked the most likely candidates, with some money to be made if you use a Fanduel promo code…

Kylian Mbappe – 6/1

Mbappe had another prolific season with Real Madrid, even if his goals didn’t help his club to glory. Playing alongside such a world class pool of talents in this France squad, though, it’s hard not to see Mbappe getting a very good opportunity to both win the World Cup and the Golden Boot this summer.

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Harry Kane – 7/1

A lethal striker showing no sign of slowing down with age, Kane is probably England’s most important player, so seems a decent shout for the Golden Boot, even if Thomas Tuchel’s squad as a whole is arguably not looking quite as strong as recent tournaments.

Mikel Oyarzabal – 10/1

Not the biggest name or best striker on this list, but Mikel Oyarzabal has shown he can do the job up front for Spain, who will be seen as another of the favourites to win the tournament this summer.

Erling Haaland 16/1

Norway will be an interesting dark horse to watch this summer, precisely because of the threat of Erling Haaland up front. The Manchester City striker had a prolific qualifying campaign, scoring a remarkable 16 goals, and finding the back of the net in every game on their way to the World Cup. Surely decent odds for the Golden Boot?

Lionel Messi – 16/1

Not the goal machine he once was, but underestimate Lionel Messi at your peril.

Cristiano Ronaldo – 20/1

Now 41 years of age, Cristiano Ronaldo will be like a man possessed at what will surely be his last chance to win the World Cup, so could that see him really step up and scoop the top scorer prize?

Julian Alvarez – 20/1

Aside from Messi, Julian Alvarez could be the main goal threat to watch out for in this Argentina squad after two prolific seasons with Atletico Madrid.

Insider confirms £280k per week Arsenal star is being targeted by his ex-club

CaughtOffside

By:Ahad Shaukat

16 June 2026 at 11:47

Kai Havertz has reportedly emerged as a name on Bayer Leverkusen’s radar, but any potential return to Germany would be far from simple.

According to sources on X, Leverkusen are monitoring the Arsenal forward’s situation as they consider ways to strengthen their attack. It is easy to understand the appeal.

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Havertz knows the club extremely well, having developed into one of Europe’s brightest young talents during his first spell there before leaving for Chelsea in 2020.

Arsenal signed Havertz from Chelsea in 2023. Since then, he has played an important role under Mikel Arteta because of his versatility, pressing and ability to operate as a false nine, attacking midfielder or advanced forward.

Salary makes the deal complicated

The biggest issue is money. Havertz is one of Arsenal’s highest earners, with Capology listing his salary at around £280,000 per week.

For Leverkusen, matching that figure would be extremely difficult.

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That means a move would likely require one of two things: either Havertz accepts a significant pay cut, or Arsenal agree some form of financial compromise.

A contract termination with a payoff has been suggested, but that would be a complicated route and not something Arsenal would consider lightly.

From the player’s perspective, giving up that level of salary would be a major decision.

Footballers want sporting clarity, but financial security also matters, especially when a long-term contract is already in place.

Arsenal must decide what comes next

There is no clear indication that Arsenal are actively pushing Havertz out. In fact, he has still shown his value in big moments.

Still, if Leverkusen’s interest becomes serious, Arsenal may have a decision to make.

Havertz remains useful, but his wages are huge. Unless the financial package works for all sides, this feels more like a difficult transfer idea than a straightforward return.

Ideally, Mikel Arteta would want to keep Havertz at the club due to his versatilitya but stranger things have happened in the past and a move back to the Bundesliga cannot be ruled out.

PSG and Arsenal will have to break Romeo Lavia record to sign rising star of World Cup

The post Insider confirms £280k per week Arsenal star is being targeted by his ex-club appeared first on CaughtOffside.

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Salary makes the deal complicated

Arsenal must decide what comes next