The 2026 World Cup top scorer award has not been decided yet, despite Argentina reaching the final, as the third-place match between England and France still holds a scenario that could turn the tables in the race for top scorer.

Lionel Messi currently leads the race with 8 goals, ahead of Kylian Mbappé on assists, while Harry Kane has 6 goals before facing France.

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Thus, Mbappé has a golden opportunity to take the sole lead if he scores one goal against England, while Harry Kane needs at least two goals to equal Messi, and three goals to overtake him directly. If the France-England match ends without Mbappé or Kane reaching the top, Messi will remain the leader before the final, with an additional chance to increase his tally against Spain. Between Messi's wait, Mbappé's ambition, and Kane's last hope, the 2026 World Cup top scorer title remains open until the final moments, and it could be decided by a match where the teams are not competing for the cup, but rather competing to give one of their stars a chance to enter history through the top scorer's gate.