According to a report by the Daily Post on Sunday, July 12, 2026, FIFA has clarified the race for the adidas Golden Boot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming that France captain Kylian Mbappécurrently holds a narrow advantage over Argentina legend Lionel Messi ahead of the tournament’s semi-finals.
The clarification comes after both players finished the quarter-final stage level on eight goals, sparking widespread debate among football fans over who was leading the race for the tournament’s top scorer award. FIFA explained that while goals remain the primary criterion, assists are used as the first tie-breaker when players finish with the same number of goals.
According to FIFA’s latest Golden Boot standings, Mbappé and Messi have each scored eight goals during the tournament. However, the French forward currently tops the rankings because he has recorded three assists, compared to Messi’s one, giving him the advantage under FIFA’s official regulations heading into the final four.
Explaining the rules for the award, FIFA stated:
“If two or more players score the same number of goals, the number of assists (as determined by the members of the FIFA Technical Study Group) shall be decisive.”
The governing body also confirmed that if players remain level after goals and assists, the next tie-breaker is the total number of minutes played, with the player who has featured in fewer minutes ranked higher.
FIFA added:
“If two or more players are still equal after taking into account the number of assists, the total minutes played in the tournament will be taken into account, with the player playing fewer minutes ranked first.”
The race for the prestigious individual honour remains one of the biggest storylines as the World Cup enters its decisive stage. Erling Haalandremains on seven goals, but Norway’s elimination means he can no longer improve his tally.
England captain Harry Kane and teammate Jude Bellingham are also firmly in contention, with both players having registered six goals and one assist. England’s progression to the semi-finals gives both players the opportunity to close the gap on Mbappé and Messi.
Meanwhile, Argentina secured their place in the World Cup semi-finals after a 3-1 extra-time victory over Switzerland, with Messi once again playing a decisive role as the defending champions kept their hopes of retaining the trophy alive. Argentina will now face England in a blockbuster semi-final, while France have also booked their place in the last four, ensuring both Messi and Mbappé have at least one more match to strengthen their Golden Boot claims.
The expanded 48-team format has produced one of the most competitive Golden Boot races in World Cup history, with several of football’s biggest stars still in contention. With the semi-finals—and potentially the final—still to come for both Mbappé and Messi, the destination of the adidas Golden Boot remains far from decided.
Should the two superstars finish level on goals, assists, and minutes played, FIFA’s established tie-breaking regulations will determine who is officially crowned the tournament’s leading scorer.
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