Kylian Mbappé scored two goals for France against Senegal on Tuesday, including a second strike described as arguably the goal of the tournament.
Kylian Mbappé out of nowhere 🤯
Mbappé was the favorite to win the Golden Boot at the start of the event and the award at the last tournament in 2022. Erling Haaland scored two goals for Norway in a 4-1 win against Iraq in his first World Cup game. Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina's 3-0 win against Algeria. Messi has not a Golden Boot yet and was leading the goal-scoring race entering Thursday's matches. Harry Kane scored twice in England's 4-2 win against Croatia on Wednesday. Kane the Golden Boot in 2018.
On FanDuel, Harry Kane is the favored (+310) for the Golden Boot. On DraftKings, Lionel Messi is the favorite (+300). On BetMGM, Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi are co-favorites (+275). Erling Haaland is fourth in the odds at FanDuel, DraftKings, and BetMGM.
Lionel Messi has three goals and is the early leader. Argentina is among the favorites to win the tournament. Messi is 38 years old and will turn 39 on Wednesday. The early lead is attributed to playing teams like Algeria, and goals may become tougher against stronger opponents as the tournament progresses.
Kylian Mbappé's France team is the current tournament favorite. Scoring two goals against Senegal is considered an impressive start. Mbappé and France play Iraq next. Teams that play more games give leading scorers more chances to score.
Erling Haaland scored his two goals against Iraq. Norway has upcoming group games against Senegal and France. Norway is not expected to advance as far as France, Argentina, or England.
England had a rocky start to the tournament. Harry Kane had a penalty kick saved before a rekick was given. England plays Ghana next and closes group play with Panama.
Kai Havertz scored twice for Germany against Curaçao and is fifth in the odds. Vinícius Júnior scored for Brazil in his opening match. Folarin Balogun scored two goals against Paraguay. Balogun entered the World Cup at 100-1 to win the award and is now between 25-to-1 and 35-to-1 to win the Golden Boot, depending on the sportsbook.
