SaltaBallPlayers to watch
Stars & Golden Boot
The superstars, the Golden Boot contenders, the next generation — and the legends likely taking their final World Cup bow.
Golden Boot race
Kylian Mbappé FW
Volume of chances plus France's depth makes him the benchmark.
Erling Haaland FW
If Norway go deep, his conversion rate is frightening.
Harry Kane FW
An elite finisher who also drops to create — and England's penalty taker.
Julián Álvarez FW
Relentless movement and a champion's instinct in the box.
Vinícius Júnior FW
Goals and assists from the left; a deep Brazil run lifts his tally.
Lautaro Martínez FW
A natural No.9 leading the champions' line.
Lamine Yamal FW
Goals and assists if fully fit — Spain's creative engine.
Dani Olmo MF
Arrives late from midfield with a knack for big-tournament goals.
The superstars
Kylian Mbappé FW
Captain and talisman; two World Cup finals already, chasing a second crown at his peak.
Lamine Yamal FW
Teenage phenomenon and the face of Spain — fitness after a spring hamstring issue is the story to watch.
Jude Bellingham MF
A do-it-all midfielder who delivers the biggest moments on the biggest stage.
Erling Haaland FW
A pure goal machine making a long-awaited World Cup debut.
Vinícius Júnior FW
Electric, direct and Brazil's primary threat in the final third.
Lionel Messi FW
The reigning champion, almost certainly on his World Cup farewell.
Cristiano Ronaldo FW
Still chasing the one trophy that has eluded him — likely his last dance.
Florian Wirtz MF
Germany's creative heartbeat; vision and tempo in the final third.
Pedri MF
The metronome of Spain's midfield — control, rhythm and progression.
Achraf Hakimi DF
An attacking full-back among the finest players Africa has produced.
Mohamed Salah FW
Egypt's icon and one of the era's great goalscorers.
Christian Pulisic FW
The host nation's star, carrying the biggest home expectations.
Young guns
Lamine Yamal 18
Already a global superstar; the player the next decade may revolve around.
Kenan Yıldız 20
Turkey's silky attacking talent, fearless on the ball.
Arda Güler 21
A left-footed creator with a rare range of passing.
Estêvão 18
Brazil's dazzling teenage winger and a breakout candidate.
Pau Cubarsí 19
A composed, ball-playing centre-back beyond his years.
Désiré Doué 20
Versatile, direct and rising fast in France's deep attack.
The last dance
Lionel Messi GOAT
The defending champion and a record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, almost certainly bowing out.
Cristiano Ronaldo ICON
Football's great record-breaker, chasing the one prize that has always escaped him.
Luka Modrić MAESTRO
Still orchestrating Croatia's midfield on a farewell tour for a generational playmaker.
Golden Boot picks are editorial. Live top-scorer standings will appear here from the data feed once the tournament is under way.