FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe overtakes Messi to lead Golden Boot race despite France defeat to England
Miami, July 19
France captain Kylian Mbappe moved ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot after scoring a brace in France's 6-4 defeat to England in the third-place match in Miami on Saturday. The two goals took Mbappe's tournament tally to 10, putting him two clear of Messi, who has scored eight.
The France forward scored hat-tricks of braces against Senegal, Iraq and Sweden, before adding a penalty against Paraguay, the opening goal against Morocco, and two more strikes in the bronze medal match against England.
Notably, the brace against England also saw Mbappe create history by overtaking Lionel Messi to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. The two goals took Mbappe's overall World Cup tally to 22 in just 22 matches, moving him one ahead of Messi, who scored 21 goals in 33 World Cup appearances.
After going into the break 4-0 down, France struck just three minutes into the second half. Dayot Upamecano played a perfectly weighted pass into the penalty area, where Mbappe kept his composure and slotted the ball into the bottom-right corner in the 48th minute, going level with Messi's 21-goal tally.
Mbappe's second goal came in the 66th minute after Bradley Barcola's 54th-minute goal and sparked France's comeback, cutting England's lead to 4-3 and making him the leading contender for the Golden Boot of the ongoing World Cup and also the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The move was brilliantly crafted, with Michael Olise producing a deft flick into Mbappe's path before the French captain controlled the ball and fired a left-footed finish past Dean Henderson.
Coming to the match, England dominated the opening half, storming to a remarkable 4-0 lead and leaving Les Bleus stunned. Declan Rice broke the deadlock in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled England's advantage in the 18th.
Bukayo Saka then stole the spotlight with two goals in quick succession in the 37th minute and first-half stoppage time, as France conceded four goals in a single half of a FIFA World Cup match for the first time.
The second half, however, witnessed a dramatic turnaround. In his 187th and final game in charge of France, Didier Deschamps' half-time tactical changes sparked an inspired comeback. Kylian Mbappe pulled one back in the 48th minute before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit to 4-2 six minutes later. Mbappe struck again in the 66th minute to make it 4-3, putting England under immense pressure.
With momentum swinging towards France, England regained control late on when Bukayo Saka converted an 87th-minute penalty to complete his hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion. Ousmane Dembele scored in the 90+6th minute to keep France's hopes alive, but Jude Bellingham sealed England's thrilling 6-4 victory with a stoppage-time goal in the 90+8th minute, ensuring the Three Lions finished their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign with the bronze medal.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Mbappe is literally rewriting history! 22 goals in 22 World Cup matches is insane. Messi's record is legendary, but Mbappe is building something truly special. This World Cup has been a rollercoaster of emotions. India should take note - we need more world-class facilities to produce players like this. 🇫🇷🔥
As someone who follows cricket primarily, this match showed me what football magic is all about. England's 4-0 lead in the first half and then France's comeback had me on the edge of my seat. That Bellingham goal at the end was clutch! Indian sports can learn so much from this level of skill and determination.
Honestly, I'm a bit disappointed with France's defense. Conceding 4 goals in the first half is unacceptable for a team of their quality. Mbappe and Barcola saved some face in the second half, but Deschamps' last match probably ended with mixed feelings. Still, what a player Mbappe is! 👏
This is the kind of entertainment that makes football the beautiful game. India might not be at the World Cup yet, but watching matches like this inspires hope. Mbappe's skill and Saka's hat-trick were world-class. Maybe one day we'll see an Indian player on this stage! 🇮🇳⚽
As an Indian living abroad, I've grown to love international football. Mbappe breaking Messi's record is historic, but England's resilience deserves massive credit. That Saka hat-trick was pure class. Golden Boot race aside, this
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