2026 World Cup: Kylian Mbappé leads the race for the Shoe
By OnzeActu · · 5 min read

An intense duel is emerging in the fight for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup. Kylian Mbappé leads with two goals ahead of Lionel Messi, who can still turn the situation around in the final. At the same time, the battle for the title of historic top scorer in the World Cup is intensifying.
According to Bbc.
Context
Kylian Mbappé, aged 27, scored 10 goals during this edition of the 2026 World Cup, a feat which places him among the greatest scorers in the history of the tournament. With a total of 22 career goals, he is one goal ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the title of best historical scorer. This exceptional performance could redefine his status in world football and influence his future in the sport.
Why it matters
The fight for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup has become a major issue, not only for Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi, but also for the legacy of these two football legends. With Mbappé in the lead, this competition highlights the impact of individual performances on the teams' progress, particularly in the context of the upcoming final. This duel could also influence the perception of future talents in world football.
Key points
- 2026 World Cup: Kylian Mbappé leads the Shoe race.
- An intense duel looms in the fight for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.
- World Cup 2026: Kylian Mbappe leads Golden Boot race for the ages - over to you Lionel Messi - BBC Sport.
The race for the Golden Boot of the 2026 World Cup promises a thrilling outcome, which will be decided in the final match of the tournament. During the match for third place, Kylian Mbappé scored two goals, despite France's spectacular defeat against England (6-4). These two achievements take his total to 10 goals in this competition, putting him two goals ahead of Argentinian legend Lionel Messi.
However, Messi, still in contention to win the world title, can still respond to that lead in the final against Spain. If he scores two goals in this last match, he would take the advantage in the race for the Golden Boot thanks to the superior number of assists. Otherwise, Mbappé, 27, would become the first player to win this prestigious trophy twice.
This fight goes well beyond the simple top scorer trophy. Mbappé and Messi are also competing for the title of historic top scorer in the World Cup. Mbappé now has 22 career goals in the competition, edging Messi by one goal.
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The fact that Mbappé reached the 10-goal mark during this tournament is an exceptional performance. This is the highest number of goals scored by a player in a single edition of the World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970. Only eight players before him had reached or exceeded eight goals in a single men's competition: Muller, Just Fontaine, Sandor Kocsis, Ademir, Eusébio, Guillermo Stábile, Ronaldo and Mbappé.
The 2026 World Cup also continues to see other stars shine. England striker Jude Bellingham scored a goal against France, taking his tally to seven goals in this tournament. This figure is a record among English players for a single edition of the World Cup. This performance allows him to overtake Erling Haaland, who is now fourth thanks to his assists. England captain Harry Kane and Ousmane Dembélé are one goal behind Bellingham.
This tournament will go down in history as a true showcase for the stars of world football, with an intensity and a level of competition carried by these figureheads who are Mbappé and Messi, among other international talents. The final between Argentina and Spain therefore promises to be particularly electric, with the backdrop of the last chance for Messi to offer himself an epilogue worthy of his career.
The rest
The 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain will be crucial for Messi, who must score to hope to turn the situation around Mbappé. If Messi manages to score two goals, he could win the Golden Shoe thanks to his assists. At the same time, Mbappé, with his 10 goals, aims to become the first player to win this title twice, while continuing his quest to become the historic top scorer of the World Cup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the score of the France vs England match?
France lost to England with a score of 6-4.
How many goals has Kylian Mbappé scored in the 2026 World Cup?
Kylian Mbappé has scored a total of 10 goals in the 2026 World Cup.
What impact does France's defeat have on the tournament ranking?
France's defeat against England took place in the third place match, with no impact on the world title.
When is Lionel M's next match
essi in the 2026 World Cup?
Lionel Messi's next match is the final against Spain.
Who is leading the race for the Golden Boot after the France v England match?
Kylian Mbappé leads the race for the Golden Shoe with 10 goals, ahead of Lionel Messi.
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