‘Both Have the Same Number of Goals But…’ — FIFA Explains Why Mbappe Leads Messi in 2026 World Cup Golden Boot Race

• FIFA has confirmed why France captain Kylian Mbappe remains ahead of Argentina superstar Lionel Messi in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup adidas Golden Boot, despite both players scoring the same number of goals after the quarter-finals.

Mbappe reclaimed the top spot after scoring his eighth goal of the tournament during France’s 2-0 quarter-final victory over Morocco, taking his tally to eight goals and three assists.

Messi also has eight goals, but trails the French forward with two assists, leaving the Argentina captain in second place in the current standings.

Norway striker Erling Haaland occupies third place with seven goals after scoring twice against Brazil in the quarter-finals, while England duo Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals and one assist each.

France winger Ousmane Dembele sits sixth with five goals and two assists, while Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Vinicius Junior (Brazil) and Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) have each scored four goals.

How FIFA Decides the Golden Boot Winner

According to FIFA, the adidas Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s highest goalscorer.

However, when two or more players finish with the same number of goals, the ranking is determined by the number of assists recorded during the tournament.

If players are still tied after goals and assists, the award goes to the player who achieved those numbers in fewer minutes played.

So far, Mbappe has played fewer minutes than Messi, giving the France captain another advantage in the race.

Top 10 adidas Golden Boot Standings (After the Quarter-Finals)

1. Kylian Mbappe (France) – 8 goals, 3 assists
2. Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 8 goals, 2 assists
3. Erling Haaland (Norway) – 7 goals
4. Jude Bellingham (England) – 6 goals, 1 assist
5. Harry Kane (England) – 6 goals, 1 assist
6. Ousmane Dembele (France) – 5 goals, 2 assists
7. Ismaila Sarr (Senegal) – 4 goals, 1 assist
8. Julian Quinones (Mexico) – 4 goals, 1 assist
9. Vinicius Junior (Brazil) – 4 goals, 1 assist
10. Mikel Oyarzabal (Spain) – 4 goals, 1 assist