Sports, World Cup 2026

Mbappe Scores Twice in France-Win Bronze But Refuses the Golden Boot Crown

Kylian Mbappe netted two goals as England beat France 6-4 for third place at the 2026 World Cup. With 22 career World Cup goals, he now tops the all-time scoring chart — and openly said he would rather play the final.

• England 6-4 France in the third-place match in Miami.
• Mbappe now holds the men's all-time World Cup scoring record at 22 goals.
• The striker openly said the final matters more than the golden boot.

In the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off in Miami, England defeated France 6-4. Kylian Mbappe scored twice for the defeated side and, with his tally now at 22, moved past Miroslav Klose as the most prolific scorer in men's World Cup history. Yet the headlines afterwards came less from the record than from the French star's attitude. Speaking after the match, Mbappe said the honour of leading the all-time scoring chart was less meaningful to him than the chance to be on the pitch for the final. “I would rather not be the all-time top scorer than miss tomorrow’s final,” he said. It was also Didier Deschamps's 187th and last match in charge of France; Zidane is set to take over after the tournament. Reflecting on the match itself, Mbappe was candid that the team's first half felt chaotic and only the second half showed a top-tier side. France won that half convincingly but could not turn the deficit around. The bronze-medal result leaves France with a strong scoring profile even if the tournament ends on a bitter note for the side and its departing coach.