Does the World Cup Third Place Match Affect the Golden Boot Race?

The World Cup third place play-off has been part of nearly every tournament since 1934, except for a few exceptions. Goals scored in this match do count towards a player’s total goal tally and can influence the race for the Golden Boot.

This fixture was introduced at the second World Cup in 1934. It was missing only in 1942 and 1946 due to World War II cancellations, and in 1950 because the final rounds used a round-robin format instead. The match returned in 1954 and has remained a staple ever since.

The Challenge of Playing for Third Place

Players often find this match tough mentally, as it comes after elimination from the title race. England’s manager Thomas Tuchel once said that nobody really wants to take part in it. Yet the goals scored here still contribute to players’ totals, keeping hopes alive for the Golden Boot.

Current 2026 Golden Boot Contenders

With France and England eliminated in the semi-finals, players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham could still claim the award thanks to the upcoming third place game. They are among seven players with five or more goals so far in this tournament.

The third-place match is set between England and France, while the final pits Spain against Argentina. Mbappe and Lionel Messi lead the scoring charts with eight goals each, but Messi holds an edge with one more assist. Norway’s Erling Haaland follows with seven goals but won’t add more after Norway’s quarter-final exit.

Bellingham and Kane both have six goals, while Dembele and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal sit on five each. How England and France approach their squads for this game could affect who wins the Golden Boot.

Past Examples of Golden Boot Winners Scoring in the Third Place Match

Seven previous Golden Boot winners have scored in the third place game. Four of them needed those goals to secure the award: Thomas Muller (2010), Davor Suker (1998), Salvatore Schillaci (1990), and Leonidas (1938). Others like Grzegorz Lato (1974), Eusebio (1966), and Just Fontaine (1958) scored in the match but would have won the award without those goals.

Top Scorers at the 2026 World Cup

• 2010 – Thomas Muller (Germany)
• 1998 – Davor Suker (Croatia)
• 1990 – Salvatore Schillaci (Italy)
• 1974 – Grzegorz Lato (Poland) (would have won without the play-off)
• 1966 – Eusebio (Portugal) (would have won without the play-off)
• 1958 – Just Fontaine (France) (would have won without the play-off)
• 1938 – Leonidas (Brazil)