Read 3 minutes19 Jul 2026 05:01 AM IST
Kylian Mbappe made history on Saturday World Cup third place match against England when he scored a brace that helped him overtake Argentina legend Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race as well as the list of all-time leading World Cup goal-scorers. Mbappe now has 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, two more than Messi, while his total in the tournament’s history is 22, one more than Messi’s 21.
The Argentine icon will have a chance to overtake the French superstar on both lists on Sunday as he takes the field to take on Spain in the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium but for now, Mbappe is the mainstay. He scored eight goals to win the Golden Boot in Qatar four years ago, where France lost to Messi and Argentina in a penalty shootout in the final.
Mbappe, however, was unable to lead his side to bronze and France lost 4–6 to England as the Three Lions finished third at the World Cup.
9 – Kylian Mbappé scored nine goals in the 2026 World Cup, a record for a player on the same edition of the World Cup in the 21st century.
Le dernier joueur à avoir autant marque sur une même CdM est Gerd Müller en 1970 (10).
Reveil. pic.twitter.com/xB9dwZbeKR
— OptaJean (@OptaJean) 18 July 2026
Bukayo Saka scored in the 37th minute and in first-half stoppage time, then added a third goal from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to complete his second career hat-trick against England. The Three Lions scored from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa to lead 4-0 at half-time and set up their best finish at a World Cup since their only title in 1966.
England’s Jude Bellingham scored his seventh goal of the tournament in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time. Bradley Barkola and Ousmane Dembele also scored for France.
Michael Ollis holds the record for World Cup assists with seven, surpassing Pele’s six in 1970. France got off to a poor start after outgoing coach Didier Deschamps brought in Deyot Upamecano and Lucas Digne to bolster a beleaguered back four. Deschamps left France after 185 matches.