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The 2026 FIFA World Cup has blessed the international footballing world. Often, the superstars don't play at their best on this stage.
That's not the case this year. They've all shown up. Lionel Messi. Kylian Mbappe. Erling Haaland. Harry Kane.
The legends of the game are adding to their legacies in a big way at this tournament -- in large part by pouring in the goals.
It has created one of the most fascinating Golden Boot races in recent memory.
Someone will earn the award for this epic tourney's top goal scorer, but the race is far from decided.
You can track the live totals at this link.
Below, we've explained how the tiebreakers would work if two of these stars finish on the same goal total.
MORE: An on-brand finish to Neymar's Brazil career
What are the World Cup Golden Boot tiebreakers?
There are two tiebreakers to determine the Golden Boot at the World Cup if players have the same goal total.
The first:
Most assists
If two or more players are tied on goals, then the player with the most assists from that first-place tie is awarded the Golden Boot.
The second tiebreaker:
Fewest minutes played
Essentially, this becomes a ratio. The player who scored the most goals per minute (thus, the player who tied for the top goals, but then did it in less time), wins the Golden Boot.
If both of these are also tied, then the Golden Boot is shared.
They had a five-way tie in 1962 (before the tiebreakers existed as they do now), and a two-way tie in 1994.
There's still plenty of time for 2026 to determine an outright winner, and some all-time greats are going for the honor.
English (US)