France Are Out, Kylian Mbappe Isn't: How the Golden Boot Race Stands After Spain End Les Bleus' World Cup Dream

France's World Cup journey ends, but Mbappe's race for individual glory remains alive

Spain's clinical 2-0 victory over France in the FIFA World Cup 2026 semifinal brought Didier Deschamps' latest World Cup campaign to a disappointing conclusion. Yet while Les Bleus have been eliminated from the race for the trophy, one major prize remains within Kylian Mbappe's reach.

The France captain is still firmly in contention for the tournament's Golden Boot, thanks to his impressive scoring form throughout the competition. With the third-place playoff still on the schedule, Mbappe has one final chance to boost his goal tally before the World Cup concludes.

Mbappe still among the leading scorers

Despite France's exit, Mbappe has once again underlined why he is regarded as one of the world's most prolific forwards.

The 27-year-old has consistently delivered on the biggest stage, scoring crucial goals during the group stage and knockout rounds to propel France into the semifinals. Although he was unable to find the net against Spain, his overall tally keeps him within striking distance of the tournament's top scorers.

The Golden Boot is awarded to the player who finishes with the most goals at the World Cup. If players are level on goals, assists and minutes played are used as tiebreakers under FIFA regulations.

Third-place playoff offers one last opportunity

Unlike players whose teams reach the final, Mbappe now has only one remaining match to influence the standings.

France's third-place playoff presents an opportunity not only to help Les Bleus finish the tournament on a positive note but also to strengthen his claim for the Golden Boot.

History has shown that third-place matches often produce open, attack-minded football, creating additional scoring opportunities for leading forwards.

Finalists remain the biggest threat

While Mbappe still has a realistic chance of winning the award, players representing the two World Cup finalists will enjoy a significant advantage.

Finalists receive an additional high-stakes match to improve their goal totals, meaning the race could change dramatically depending on performances in Sunday's final.

Several attacking stars from Spain, as well as whoever progresses from the second semifinal between Argentina and England, remain strong contenders for the individual honour.

Another remarkable World Cup for Mbappe

Regardless of the final outcome, Mbappe has once again demonstrated extraordinary consistency on football's biggest stage.

Already among the highest scorers in World Cup history despite still being in his twenties, the French superstar continues to enhance his reputation as one of the defining players of his generation.

His pace, finishing ability and leadership have once again carried France deep into the tournament, even if the ultimate objective of lifting the trophy has slipped away.

Trophy gone, individual prize still possible

France may no longer be able to defend their World Cup crown, but Mbappe's tournament is not over.

One final appearance remains, and with it the opportunity to finish as the competition's leading scorer. Whether that proves enough will depend not only on his own performance in the third-place playoff but also on what unfolds in the World Cup final.

As Spain celebrate their place in the title decider, Mbappe's attention now shifts from team glory to personal achievement—one last chance to ensure he leaves the 2026 FIFA World Cup with football's most coveted individual scoring prize.