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

The third place play-off has been a regular part of the World Cup since its second edition in 1934, except for three tournaments. It was not held in 1942 and 1946 because of World War II and was absent in 1950 when the final rounds used a round-robin format. Since 1954, this match has been played consistently.

Players’ goals scored in this fixture do count towards their individual tournament tallies and can influence who claims the Golden Boot. The game can be tough emotionally, with players coping with the disappointment of missing out on the final. England’s manager Thomas Tuchel once said no one enjoys playing in it.

Current 2026 Golden Boot Contenders

With France and England eliminated in the semi-finals, stars like Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham still have a chance to add to their goal totals in the third place game. Alongside them, seven players have scored five or more goals at this stage.

Mbappe and Lionel Messi lead the scoring race with eight goals each, but Messi holds the edge due to an extra assist. Erling Haaland follows with seven goals but cannot increase his tally after Norway’s quarter-final exit. England’s duo Bellingham and Kane each have six goals, while Dembele and Spain’s Mikel Oyarzabal sit on five.

The makeup of the squads England and France field in the third-place match could shape who ultimately wins the Golden Boot.

Historical Impact of Third Place Matches on Golden Boot Winners

Seven past Golden Boot winners have scored in the third-place play-off, and four needed those goals to secure the award. Thomas Muller (2010), Davor Suker (1998), Salvatore Schillaci (1990), and Leonidas (1938) all benefited from goals in that match.

Others like Grzegorz Lato (1974), Eusebio (1966), and Just Fontaine (1958) also scored in third-place games but would have won the Golden Boot even without those goals.

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 regardless)
  • 1966: Eusebio (Portugal) (would have won regardless)
  • 1958: Just Fontaine (France) (would have won regardless)
  • 1938: Leonidas (Brazil)

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