Mbappé Leads Golden Boot Race Despite Goal Tie with Messi

Jul 10, 2026

66 min

Jul 10, 2026 03:31

Why Kylian Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race despite being tied with Lionel Messi on goals

## France Advances to World Cup Semi-Finals

France secured a spot in the semi-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-0 in the quarter-finals. Kylian Mbappé scored the first goal in the 60th minute, followed by a second from Ousmane Dembélé six minutes later. The match took place at Boston Stadium, and France will face either Spain or Belgium in the next round.

## Mbappé's Edge in the Golden Boot Race

Both Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi have scored eight goals in the tournament. However, Mbappé leads the Golden Boot race due to his higher number of assists. FIFA uses assists as the primary tiebreaker when players are tied on goals. Mbappé has three assists, while Messi has one, giving the French captain an edge.

## Match Highlights

Morocco, despite being a strong contender, struggled against France's dominance. The African champions managed only one shot on target, which was easily saved by French goalkeeper Mike Maignan. France controlled the game, and Mbappé's goal came after a missed penalty opportunity earlier in the match. Dembélé's goal further secured France's victory.

## Historical Context

Mbappé's goal marked his 20th in World Cup matches, bringing him close to Messi's record of 21. France's performance continues to build on their rich football history as they aim for another World Cup title.

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