World Cup Golden Boot race: Do goals scored in third place play-off count?

• There are just two games left to be played at the 2026 World Cup , with England facing France in the third place play-off on Saturday before Spain take on defending champions Argentina in the final on Sunday.
• Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe are currently tied in the race for the Golden Boot on eight goals, while England duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have both scored six goals, leaving them one behind Erling Haaland, whose Norway side have already exited the tournament.
• It has been confirmed that goals scored in the third place play-off will count towards a player’s tally, meaning that Mbappe, Kane and Bellingham all still have a realistic chance of winning the Golden Boot.
• However, managers sometimes opt to rotate their squad in the third place play-off, with the ultimate prize now out of reach, meaning there is a chance that some of England and France’s star players will not start Saturday’s match, especially with the quick turnaround in between games.
• Messi will know what he needs to do to get his hands on the Golden Boot ahead of Sunday’s final, as Argentina aim to defend their crown and win the World Cup for the fourth time.