NEW YORK: France may have missed out on a place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final after suffering a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain and later finished fourth following a 6-4 loss to England in the third-place playoff, but superstar Kylian Mbappe restored some pride for his country by winning the prestigious Golden Boot award. Mbappe became the first footballer in history to win the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot in two consecutive editions.
The Golden Boot is awarded to the tournament’s highest goalscorer. Following Sunday’s World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Mbappe was officially presented with the award after finishing as the tournament’s leading scorer with 10 goals. He finished ahead of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who scored eight goals to claim the Silver Boot.
Messi ended the tournament with three honours— the runners-up trophy along with two individual awards—while Mbappe collected two trophies.
Spain Defeat Argentina to Lift the World Cup
Spain defeated Argentina 1-0 after extra time in Sunday’s final, with substitute Ferran Torres scoring the decisive goal in the 106th minute to seal the nation’s second FIFA World Cup title.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Award Winners
World Champions: Spain
Runners-up: Argentina
Third Place: England
Golden Boot (Top Scorer):
(1) Kylian Mbappe (Golden Boot), France – 10 goals
(2) Lionel Messi (Silver Boot), Argentina – 8 goals
(3) Jude Bellingham (Bronze Boot), England – 7 goals
Golden Ball (Best Player):
(1) Rodri (Golden Ball), Spain
(2) Lionel Messi (Silver Ball), Argentina
(3) Kylian Mbappe (Bronze Ball), France
Golden Glove (Best Goalkeeper):
Unai Simón (Spain)
Best Young Player:
Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
Final Most Valuable Player:
Ferran Torres (Spain)
FIFA Fair Play Award:
Netherlands
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