​FOXBOROUGH — Kylian Mbappé is not backing down. The Golden Boot, awarded to the World Cup’s top scorer, again seems to fit the France striker. Yet he faces stiff competition. Lionel Messi has found the back of the net in every Argentina match thus far, giving him a one-goal lead (8) over Mbappé as the two enter France’s quarterfinal against Morocco at Boston Stadium on Thursday, July 9.
Mbappé drew level with Messi by delivering the deciding goal in the 60th minute, helping France to a 2-0 victory and a spot in the semifinals. The Real Madrid star also contributed an assist in the win. France will meet the winner of Spain versus Belgium in Los Angeles on July 13 at 3 p.m.
“There’s so much joy to play with Kylian Mbappé,” France forward Ousmane Dembélé told FOX Sports, via translator Jenny Taft. “Of course he’s the captain as well. We make it easy on each other. We support each other, but it’s not just for us—it’s for every player on this team.”
Although their goal totals are tied, Mbappé holds the edge in assists, 3 to Messi’s 1. A strong run in the quarterfinals from Erling Haaland of Norway (7 goals, 0 assists) and/or Harry Kane of England (6 goals, 1 assist) could further reshape the race for the Golden Boot.
If Mbappé wins this year’s Golden Boot, it would mark his second time earning the honor. He scored eight times in France’s seven-match run to the 2022 World Cup final, where they were defeated by Messi’s Argentina in a penalty shootout after Mbappé’s hat trick. He was 23 years old then, playing in his first World Cup as the standout youngster. Now, Mbappé has 20 career World Cup goals.
“Kylian as captain is great on or off the pitch,” France manager Didier Deschamps said. “He’s a role model.”
July 9, 2026; Foxborough, Massachusetts, U.S. — France’s Kylian Mbappé celebrates scoring their first goal.
Mbappé earned a penalty in the 28th minute of France’s win over Morocco. After a prolonged delay in the build-up, Mbappé took his shot with a stutter-step approach. Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou guessed correctly and dived to his left, making a two-hand save. The referee had awarded the foul when Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui clipped Mbappé in the box during transition, and a VAR review followed.
The penalty controversy added to a tense moment as Mbappé prepared to shoot. Deschamps explained the delay: “There was a long VAR review after the penalty. Kylian was ready to shoot. It wasn’t an easy situation, and we don’t want to make excuses for Kylian.”
Mbappé would be substituted later in the match after appearing to stumble on the field, though the team had already secured the win and a place in the semifinals.