Mbappe chases Golden Boot as France face England

Kylian Mbappe is set to play when France meet England in the World Cup 2026 third-place match. The France forward is chasing the Golden Boot after scoring eight goals, the same total as Argentina captain Lionel Messi, but he trails on assists. Goals in the third-place match still count toward the top scorer race, leaving Mbappe with a chance to overtake Messi while helping France secure the bronze medal. Coach Didier Deschamps is also preparing to reshuffle his lineup for his final match with Les Bleus after leading the team since 2012. Defender Ibrahima Konate said the contest was not the target his side wanted, but France still must protect the honor of the national shirt.