An exciting drama is unfolding at Miami Stadium in Florida during the FIFA 2026™ World Cup third-place match. The encounter between the France and England national teams, which began on July 19, has already gifted the football world a historic event. In the 47th minute of the game, right at the start of the second half, French team captain Kylian Mbappe seized his chance and sent the ball into the opponent's goal.
Historic breakthrough: 20 goals in the legend's tally
This goal marked the 27-year-old forward's 20th in his career during the final stages of World Championships. Thus, Mbappe has secured sole second place in the all-time list of top World Cup scorers, surpassing such great players as Miroslav Klose (16 goals) and Ronaldo (15 goals). Now, the French striker is just one step away from the absolute record, which currently belongs to Argentine Lionel Messi (21 goals).
Within the framework of the current tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, Mbappe is demonstrating incredible effectiveness. This goal became his eighth at the 2026 World Cup. Prior to the match against the English, he scored twice against Senegal, Iraq, and Sweden, and also netted once in games against Paraguay and Morocco.
Match dynamics: France is losing, but history is being written
Despite the historic achievement of their captain, the French national team finds itself in a difficult position. As of the 53rd minute of the game, the score on the board is 4-1 in favor of England. The English team started the match powerfully: Declan Rice opened the scoring in the 2nd minute. Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 17th minute, and Bukayo Saka completed a brace, scoring in the 36th and 45th minutes.
Mbappe, who scored his goal at the beginning of the second half, reduced the deficit, but the team will have to work hard to change the course of the match.
Battle for the "Golden Boot": Mbappe vs. Messi
The Frenchman's effectiveness has intensified the competition for the tournament's main individual award — the "Golden Boot". At the moment, Mbappe has tied with Lionel Messi in terms of goals scored at the 2026 World Cup: both have 8 goals. However, according to FIFA regulations, in the event of a tie in goals, the number of assists becomes the deciding factor.
On this metric, the Argentine currently holds the advantage: Messi has 4 assists, while Mbappe has 3. The final standings in the race for the title of top scorer will be determined after the final match between the Argentina and Spain national teams. If Mbappe scores his 21st goal in World Cup history, he will not only tie with Messi in eternal history but could also contend for the "Golden Boot" of the current tournament, provided the Argentine does not increase his lead in assists.
