Mbappé joins Messi in Golden Boot race with 8 goals

Kylian Mbappé draws level with Lionel Messi atop the Golden Boot standings.

Mbappé scored in the 59th minute to give France a 1-0 lead over Morocco in the FIFA World Cup 2026 quarterfinals.

Both superstars now have eight goals, while Erling Haaland remains just one strike behind as the race for the tournament’s top scorer enters its decisive stage.

If the two stars finish level on goals, FIFA’s tiebreaking criteria could prove decisive. The first separator is assists, where Mbappé currently has the edge with two, while Messi has yet to register one. Haaland remains only one goal behind, keeping the pressure on both leaders as Norway continues its historic run.

With the semifinals approaching and several contenders still alive, the race for the Golden Boot is shaping up to be one of the defining storylines of the FIFA World Cup 2026.