TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Erling Haaland has joined Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé at the top of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race, turning it into a tight three-way battle after a key knockout-stage shift.
According to Al-Jazeera, Messi and Mbappé had led alone on seven goals each for three days, with Messi first reaching the mark after Argentina beat Cape Verde, before Mbappé matched him in France’s win over Paraguay.
Haaland then levelled the trio on Sunday with a brace in Norway’s 2-1 win over Brazil in the Round of 16, a result that sent Norway into their first-ever World Cup quarter-finals.
The three stars are now locked in a fierce scoring race across the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Haaland’s Match-Winning Display Against Brazil
Erling Haaland was the difference-maker in Norway’s historic victory over Brazil in the Round of 16 on Monday, July 6, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, United States.
The Manchester City striker broke the deadlock in the 79th minute with a header from an Andreas Schjelderup cross before sealing the win in the 90th minute with a composed low finish past Brazil goalkeeper Alisson Becker.
Brazil managed a late response through a Neymar penalty in injury time, but it was not enough to prevent their elimination and another failed attempt to end a World Cup title drought dating back to 2002.
Golden Boot Standings Tighten at the Top
With his brace, Haaland moved to seven goals, drawing level with Messi and Mbappé at the top of the scoring chart. The trio now share pole position in one of the most competitive Golden Boot races in recent World Cup history.
Behind them, England captain Harry Kane remains in strong contention with five goals and still has an opportunity to close the gap when England face Mexico in their Round of 16 clash, as reported by Sky Sports.
Just below Kane, Vinícius Júnior of Brazil, Spain forward Mikel Oyarzabal, and France winger Ousmane Dembélé are all on four goals each. All three remain firmly in the race as their teams push deeper into the knockout stage.
Beyond the goalscoring charts, Haaland’s double also carried historic significance as it helped Norway reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time.
The 25-year-old striker reflected on his efficiency in front of goal, saying: “That’s just how it usually goes. If I get a chance or two, it usually ends up as a goal. I don’t know how I do it, but that’s how I do it, so it’s all about staying focused,” as quoted by TNT Sports.
He also expressed hope that Norway’s run would inspire future generations.
"We just kept pushing forward, but I hope that all the young people watching this interview - I hope that when you get a little older, you’ll see playing for Norway as the proudest thing you’ll ever do in your entire life," he said.
With the tournament moving deeper into the knockout rounds, the Golden Boot battle is now shaping into a high-intensity duel at the top, with Messi, Mbappé, and Haaland locked together and several challengers still within striking distance.
Read: Haaland Sends Norway Past Brazil into World Cup Last Eight
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