Havertz, Balogun, Ayari lead early golden boot race at World Cup
Kai Havertz, Yasin Ayari, and Folarin Balogun have each scored twice in their opening FIFA World Cup 2026 matches, putting them at the forefront of the adidas Golden Boot race. Balogun made history for the United States by becoming the first player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match for his country. Havertz and Ayari matched his feat, each netting a brace in their respective games. With many teams yet to play, the competition for the top scorer award remains wide open.
Match highlights
- Folarin Balogun scored twice in the first half of the United States’ 4-1 win over Paraguay in their Group D opener at Los Angeles Stadium.
- On June 14, Kai Havertz scored two goals in Germany’s 7-1 victory over Curaçao in Group E in Houston.
- Later on June 14, Yasin Ayari netted two goals in Sweden’s 5-1 win against Tunisia.
- The adidas Golden Boot goes to the player with the most goals, with assists and minutes played used as tiebreakers.
- Other players with one goal include Giovanni Reyna, Cyle Larin, Amad Diallo, Jamal Musiala, and several others from various countries.
