World Cup 2026: Golden boot and history on the line for Mbappe in France’s third-place match against England

Kylian Mbappe has one final opportunity to make FIFA World Cup history when France face England in the third-place play-off, with the Real Madrid forward still in contention for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

Having missed out on a place in the final, Mbappe will now look to guide France to a bronze medal while chasing an unprecedented individual milestone that has eluded every player in World Cup history.

The French captain heads into the match level with Argentina’s Lionel Messi on eight goals in the race to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer.

Messi holds narrow advantage

Although both players have scored eight times, Messi currently leads the Golden Boot standings thanks to FIFA’s tiebreaker rules.

The Argentina captain has provided four assists during the tournament, one more than Mbappe’s three, giving him the edge heading into the final weekend.

Spanish newspaper AS reported that the third-place match presents Mbappe with the chance to move clear of Messi and strengthen his claim for the award before Argentina take on Spain in the World Cup final.

History within reach

Mbappe is also bidding to achieve something no player has managed since the World Cup began.

The France forward won the Golden Boot at the 2022 tournament and could become the first footballer to finish as the competition’s leading scorer at two separate World Cups if he claims the prize again.

Messi, meanwhile, is seeking the Golden Boot for the first time in his illustrious career.

England captain Harry Kane also remains in the conversation after scoring six goals at the tournament. Kane won the Golden Boot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia but trails the two leading contenders.

Another World Cup record in sight

Mbappe’s ambitions extend beyond the Golden Boot.

The 27-year-old is also closing in on Messi in the list of the highest World Cup goalscorers among players still active at the tournament.

Messi has scored 21 World Cup goals across six editions, while Mbappe has reached 20, leaving the Frenchman just one strike away from drawing level with the Argentine legend.

With one final appearance left in France’s campaign, Mbappe has the chance to add another chapter to an already remarkable World Cup career.