Does the World Cup Third-Place Play-Off Count Toward the Golden Boot?

Does the Third-Place Match Affect the Golden Boot Race?

The third-place play-off has been a consistent part of the FIFA World Cup since 1934, with only a few exceptions. Goals scored in this match are included in players' overall goal totals and can influence the outcome of the Golden Boot award.

This fixture was introduced during the second World Cup tournament in 1934. It was missing only three times: in 1942 and 1946 when the World Cup was canceled due to World War II, and in 1950 when the final stage was played in a round-robin format instead of knockout matches. The third-place game returned in 1954 and has been held ever since.

Players often find this match challenging emotionally, as it follows a semi-final defeat. England's manager Thomas Tuchel once remarked that no team looks forward to playing in it. Still, any goals scored here add to the players’ total tally for the tournament.

Golden Boot Contenders at the 2026 World Cup

With the upcoming third-place match between England and France, several players still have a shot at winning the Golden Boot. This includes Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham, despite their teams being knocked out in the semi-finals.

Heading into the last two games, these four are among seven players who have netted five or more goals. The third-place play-off could be decisive depending on which squad fields a stronger lineup.

• Kylian Mbappe and Lionel Messi lead with eight goals each, but Messi holds the advantage with one additional assist.
• Erling Haaland of Norway has seven goals but will not add to that after Norway’s quarter-final exit.
• Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane both have six goals.
• Ousmane Dembele and Mikel Oyarzabal have scored five goals apiece.

The strength of the squads for the third-place match could sway the Golden Boot race. In 2018, England made five changes from their semi-final squad when they faced Belgium in this fixture. Kane started but did not score.

Historical Impact of the Third-Place Game on Golden Boot Winners

Seven past Golden Boot winners have scored in the third-place match. Four of them needed those goals to clinch the award:

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

Three others—Grzegorz Lato (Poland, 1974), Eusebio (Portugal, 1966), and Just Fontaine (France, 1958)—also scored in the third-place match but would have won the Golden Boot regardless.

Golden Boot Winners Who Scored in Third-Place Matches

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