World Cup 2022 top goal scorer: Who could win Golden Boot?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar is nearing its knockout phase. One of the top awards players compete for is the Golden Boot, awarded to the player with the most goals in the tournament.

The number of assists by a player is considered in the case of a tie for goals scored. If multiple players are tied on both counts, the winner is decided after factoring in which player played the lowest minutes.

England's captain Harry Kane bagged the prize in the 2018 edition of the World Cup in Russia, where he scored six goals and led his team to the semi-finals. Below is an overview of contenders in the race for top scorer in the 2022 World Cup:

France's talisman failed to find the net as Tunisia recorded a famous upset over Les Bleus in their final Group D match. The 23-year-old scored against Australia in their opener and bagged a second-half double against Denmark as France booked their knockout spot.

He could add to that as his country faces off against Poland in the last 16. Poland's all-time top scorer Robert Lewandowski will also be looking to better his count.

The England striker has enjoyed a dream start to his World Cup campaign in Qatar.

Rashford's place in the squad was uncertain a few months ago due to form and fitness, but the Manchester United forward moved up the Golden Boot standings after he netted twice in England's rout of a Gareth Bale-led Wales side.

Rashford's teammates Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Chelsea) and Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund) also featured on the scoresheet during the group stage.

The Dutch forward has managed to find the net regularly in Qatar so far, as the Netherlands progressed to the last 16 after finishing top of Group