\n\n
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup down to its final four teams, Kylian Mbappé has moved ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the Adidas Golden Boot, FIFA has confirmed. Both superstars have scored eight goals, but Mbappé currently tops the standings because he has registered more assists than Messi, which is the first tiebreaker used by FIFA when players finish level on goals. If both goals and assists are equal, the player who has played fewer minutes takes the lead.
Mbappé’s latest goal came during France’s quarter-final victory over Morocco, while Messi kept pace by scoring in Argentina’s extra-time win over Switzerland. With both France and Argentina advancing to the semi-finals, the race remains wide open, as each player is guaranteed at least one more match and could feature in the final or third-place playoff depending on results.
Behind the leading duo are Erling Haaland, Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Ousmane Dembélé, who remain in contention but will need strong performances in the remaining matches to challenge for the tournament’s top scorer award. The Golden Boot will be decided after the final on July 19, with every remaining goal potentially proving decisive.
