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Do Goals in the World Cup Third-Place Match Count Toward the Golden Boot?

The World Cup third-place play-off has been part of nearly every tournament since it was introduced in 1934, except for three occasions. Players’ goals in this match count toward their total goal tally and impact the competition for the Golden Boot.

This fixture missed out during the 1942 and 1946 tournaments because of World War II, and also in 1950 when the final rounds were played as a round-robin format. The play-off returned in 1954 and has remained a regular feature since then.

Players often find the match emotionally tough due to missing out on the final, and England manager Thomas Tuchel commented that no player really wants to take part in it. Still, goals scored here contribute just as much to a player’s Golden Boot chances.

Golden Boot Contenders at the 2026 Tournament

Despite France and England being knocked out in the semi-finals, players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham can still influence the Golden Boot outcome thanks to the upcoming third-place match.

Heading into the last two games, these four are among seven players with at least five goals. England and France will face off for third place on Saturday, followed by Spain against Argentina in the final the next day.

Mbappe shares the top scorer spot with Lionel Messi, both having eight goals. Messi leads only because of one more assist so far. Norway’s Erling Haaland trails with seven goals but cannot add to his tally after Norway’s quarter-final exit.

Bellingham and Kane each have six goals, while Dembele and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal stand at five goals apiece. The strength of the squads fielded by England and France in this match could decide who takes home the Golden Boot.

Historical Impact of Third-Place Matches on Golden Boot Winners

Looking back, seven World Cup Golden Boot winners have scored in the third-place match. For four of them, those goals were necessary to secure the award:

  • Thomas Muller (Germany, 2010)
  • Davor Suker (Croatia, 1998)
  • Salvatore Schillaci (Italy, 1990)
  • Leonidas (Brazil, 1938)

Meanwhile, Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974), Eusebio (Portugal, 1966), and Just Fontaine (France, 1958) also scored in the third-place match but would have still won the Golden Boot 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 third-place goals)
  • 1966 – Eusebio (Portugal) (would have won without third-place goals)
  • 1958 – Just Fontaine (France) (would have won without third-place goals)
  • 1938 – Leonidas (Brazil)

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