FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race: Kylian Mbappe joins Lionel Messi at the top after Sweden

ByTech Word News

Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi (AP Photo) Kylian Mbappe underlined why he remains one of football’s greatest match-winners as he scored twice as France eased past Sweden 3-0 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 to move level with Lionel Messi at the top of the tournament’s Golden Boot rankings.The France captain now has six goals at the tournament, leveling Argentina superstar Messi while extending his remarkable World Cup legacy. Mbappe’s memory at the MetLife Stadium took his World Cup tally to 18 goals in just 18 games, just one short of Messi’s record 19.France’s dominant victory also set up a round of 16 clash with surprise package Paraguay as Didier Deschamps’ side continued their march towards a third consecutive World Cup final.

The battle for the Golden Boot heats up

As the pace of elimination rounds increased, the Golden Boot race became one of the biggest themes of the tournament.Top five scorers:

  • Kylian Mbappe (France) – 6 goals
  • Lionel Messi (Argentina) – 6 goals
  • Erling Haaland (Norway) – 5 goals
  • Ousmane Dembélé (France) – 4 goals
  • Vinícius Júnior (Brazil) – 4 goals

Mbappe’s latest double also saw him become the all-time top scorer in World Cup knockout history with 10 goals, surpassing Brazilian legends Ronaldo and Leônidas.Despite climbing alongside Messi in the scoring charts, the France captain insisted individual milestones come second only to lifting the trophy.“I think the aim, as I said, is to go as far as possible – to make it to July 19 and come back here,” Mbappe said. “We’re trying to win, we’re going step by step. Of course, the more goals you score, the higher you go up the ladder.”

‘I don’t focus too much on it’

With their captain in red-hot form, Les Bleus became the first nation in World Cup history to score at least three goals in five consecutive matches.The 27-year-old rejected comparisons to Messi in the race for World Cup records.“I’m also confident that Leo will score more goals, so I’m not focusing too much on that. I’m more focused on the opponents we can face and how close we are to our goal: the final,” he said.France have now outscored their opponents 13-2 at the tournament, while Mbappe’s blistering form has turned the race for the Golden Boot into a fascinating showdown with Messi as the World Cup enters its decisive phase.

FIFA World Cup 2026 Top Scorers: Beyond the Top 5

  • Three goals each: Deniz Undav (Germany), Johan Manzambi (Switzerland), Ismaila Sarr (Senegal), Julian Quinones (Mexico), Cody Gakpo (Netherlands), Brian Brobbery (Netherlands), Matheus Cunha (Brazil), Harry Kane (England), Elijah Just (New Zealand), Yoane Wissa (Cabo Verderoc), Sathani David (Cabo Verderoc), Sathani David and Kai Havertz (Germany)