Messi and Mbappé Lead as Kane, Bellingham Chase Golden Boot in World Cup Finale
England and France will face off in the FIFA World Cup third-place playoff in Miami on July 18, but the match could also have a major impact on the tournament’s Golden Boot race.
Both teams will be looking to recover from disappointing semi-final defeats, with England losing 2-1 to defending champions Argentina and France falling to Spain.
Although the third-place playoff is often regarded as one of the least desirable fixtures on the World Cup calendar, FIFA has maintained its importance, and the match could now provide the final opportunity for several players to claim the tournament’s top individual scoring prize.
Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi currently lead the scoring charts with eight goals each. Messi holds the advantage on the current tiebreaker, having provided four assists compared with Mbappé’s three.
England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also still in contention, with both players having scored six goals and registered one assist each.
Should two or more players finish the tournament level on goals, assists will be used as the tiebreaker.
Goals scored in the third-place playoff will count towards the overall tournament totals, meaning the England Vs France clash could prove decisive in determining the eventual Golden Boot winner.
England manager Thomas Tuchel has described the match as ‘the one no-one wants to play in’ and is expected to make significant changes to his starting lineup.
France coach Didier Deschamps is also expected to rotate his squad following his team’s semi-final defeat.
History suggests, however, that the third-place playoff can play a crucial role in the Golden Boot race.
Seven previous winners have scored in the match, while four players needed goals in the third-place playoff to secure the award.
Germany’s Thomas Müller in 2010, Croatia’s Davor Šuker in 1998, Italy’s Salvatore Schillaci in 1990 and Brazil’s Leonidas in 1938 all benefited from scoring in the third-place playoff.
