Goals scored in the World Cup third-place play-off match do count towards the Golden Boot standings. England's World Cup campaign concludes this evening against France in Miami, and despite missing the final, the Three Lions can still achieve their best result since 1966. The match also offers individual glory for players chasing the Golden Boot.
Golden Boot Contenders
Kylian Mbappe leads with 8 goals, level with Lionel Messi, who has more assists. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each have 6 goals, while Ousmane Dembele has 5. Mikel Oyarzabal also has 5 goals but would need four in the final to contend. The tie-breaker for level players is fewest minutes played.
Historical Context
Seven previous Golden Boot winners scored in the third-place play-off, with four relying on those goals to win. Examples include Thomas Muller (2010), Davor Suker (1998), Salvatore Schillaci (1990), and Leonidas (1938). The play-off has been a permanent fixture since 1954.
Significance for Players
Mbappe won the Golden Boot in 2022, while Kane topped the charts in 2018. A win for either would mark the first time a player has won multiple Golden Boots. Messi has never won the award but received the Golden Ball in 2022.
