2026 World Cup: FIFA releases statement on Golden Boot race between Mbappe, Messi

FIFA has confirmed that France captain, Kylian Mbappe, is leading Argentina’s Lionel Messi in the race to win the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup.

The world football governing body made the clarification in a statement on Sunday.

Both Mbappe and Messi have scored the same number of goals (8) ahead of the semi-finals.

But Mbappe has the edge as he has provided three assists, while Messi has one.

Norway striker, Erling Haaland, who has been eliminated scored seven times.

England duo of Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are tied on six goals and one assist each.

“If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) shall be decisive,” FIFA’s statement read.

“If two or more players are still equal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing fewer minutes ranked first.”