Kylian Mbappe clinched the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in dramatic fashion, overtaking Lionel Messi with a decisive brace in France’s bronze final win over England. Despite leading the charts before the final, Messi failed to score against Spain, allowing Mbappe to finish with 10 goals and secure his second consecutive Golden Boot after 2022.
When Argentina and Spain eliminated England and France from the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the semi finals, Lionel Messi had a big lead in the list of goalscorers. It looked like he would win the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award easily. What came as a plot twist was the bronze medal final match between France and England. Mbappe scored two goals in that match to take a two-goal lead over Messi. While Lionel Messi had the opportunity to score in the Spain vs Argentina final, the iconic player just could not manage it. And so, finally, the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award has gone to Mbappe with a 10-8 advantage.
The race was incredibly tight between Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe till the semi finals stage. However, things changed dramatically in the 3rd place match between France and England. It was a high scoring match and Mbappe slammed in 2 goals. This took his tally in the goalscorers list to 10. He posed a challenge to Messi - score 2 goals more during the Argentina and Spain final and have more assists to win the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award. However, Messi could not score during the match. The fault lay with Argentina as they came to the match intending to use rough tactics against Spanish players rather than focusing on their game. Argentina did not even manage one shot at the goal in the first half. They lost 1-0 to Spain. Ultimately, Mbappe beat Lionel Messi 10 to 8 in goalcoring list.
With this achievement, Mbappe has also become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history, again beating Messi's record. He has scored 22 goals in his World Cup career so far in 22 matches.
Here's a look at each of the 10 goals Mbappe scored in this World Cup.
France vs Senegal - 2 goals
France vs Iraq - 2 goals
France vs Sweden (Round of 32) - 2 goals
France vs Paraguay (Round of 16) - 1 goal
France vs Morocco (Quarter-Finals) - 1 goal
France vs England (Bronze Final) - 2 goals
Total - 10 goals
Mbappe also became only the fourth player in World Cup history to score 10 or more goals in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup and the first since West Germany's Gerd Muller back in 1970.
He also became the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score at least 8 goals in back-to-back editions of the tournament.
Who is the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award winner?
Kylian Mbappe is the Golden Boot winner of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How many goals did Mbappe score in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Mbappe scored 10 goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How many goals did Lionel Messi score during the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Lionel Messi scored 8 goals and 4 assists at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
How many goals did Lionel Messi and Mbappe score in the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Lionel Messi scored 8 goals, but was upastaged by Mbappe with 10 goals scored.
Did Lionel Messi win the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award?
No Lionel Messi did not win the FIFA World Cup 2026 Golden Boot award.
Who is the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history?
Kylian Mbappe is the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 22 goals.