Does the World Cup Third-Place Match Count Towards the Golden Boot?

The World Cup's third-place play-off has been part of nearly every tournament since its introduction in 1934, except for a few instances during and after World War II. Goals scored in this match still add to a player's total, influencing the race for the Golden Boot.

The match wasn't held in 1942 and 1946 due to the war and was also absent in 1950 when the final rounds used a round-robin format. It returned in 1954 and has remained a fixture ever since.

Pressure and Impact on Players

Players often find this game emotionally challenging as it comes after elimination from the title race. England’s manager Thomas Tuchel commented that no player really looks forward to this match. Despite this, the goals here count just like any other in the tournament.

For example, players like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham can still vie for the Golden Boot in 2026 thanks to this fixture, even though their teams, France and England, bowed out in the semi-finals.

Current Standings and Upcoming Matches

As the tournament nears its end, these four are among seven players with five or more goals. England and France meet in the third-place match, while the final pits Spain against Argentina.

Mbappe and Lionel Messi lead the scoring charts with eight goals each. Messi edges ahead due to having one extra assist. Norway's Erling Haaland trails with seven goals but cannot add more since Norway exited in the quarter-finals.

Bellingham and Kane have six goals apiece, while Dembele and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal have five each.

How the Third-Place Match Has Shaped Past Golden Boot Winners

The team selections for this game can influence who ultimately takes home the Golden Boot. In 2018, England’s coach made multiple changes before the third-place match against Belgium. Though Kane started, he didn’t score.

Seven past Golden Boot winners have found the net in the third-place match. Four 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 there but would have won regardless.

World Cup Golden Boot Winners Who Scored in the Third-Place Match

• 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)