- Mbappe Targets Golden Boot as Deschamps Eyes Winning Farewell in World Cup Third-Place Play-off
France captain Kylian Mbappe will have more than just a bronze medal on his mind when Les Bleus face England in Saturday’s FIFA World Cup third-place play-off, with head coach Didier Deschamps confirming that the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot remains a powerful source of motivation for his star forward.
Speaking ahead of the clash in Miami, Deschamps revealed that Mbappe is fit and available for selection as France seek to finish their World Cup campaign on a positive note following their 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.
While the fixture may not carry the prestige of Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain, Deschamps insisted there is still plenty to play for.
“It’s not a meaningless match,” the France coach said. “It won’t change our lives, but it’s better to finish third than fourth. We still have a responsibility to the millions of French supporters, and we will do everything possible to end the tournament well.”
The match also offers Mbappe one final opportunity to strengthen his claim for the Golden Boot. The Real Madrid forward is level with Argentina captain Lionel Messi on eight goals, but trails the Argentine in the standings because Messi has provided four assists compared to Mbappe’s three.
England captain Harry Kane and midfielder Jude Bellingham remain outside contenders with six goals and one assist each, although both will need outstanding performances and favourable results to challenge the tournament’s leading scorers.
Beyond the Golden Boot, Mbappe is also chasing another piece of World Cup history. His eight goals at this tournament have taken his career tally to 20 World Cup goals, leaving him just one behind Messi on the competition’s all-time scoring chart. Victory over England could see the Frenchman draw level or even surpass his long-time rival, depending on how Sunday’s final unfolds.
Deschamps acknowledged that individual honours can provide extra motivation but stressed that Mbappe’s focus remains on helping the team finish strongly.
“There are always reasons to be motivated,” he said. “Kylian doesn’t necessarily need an individual objective to perform, but if he has that goal in mind, it is perfectly legitimate.”
The meeting with England also carries historical significance. France will be playing in the World Cup third-place play-off for the fourth time, having beaten West Germany 6-3 in 1958 and Belgium 4-2 in 1986 before losing 3-2 to Poland in 1982. Only Germany have featured in the match more often.
For Deschamps, Saturday’s encounter will mark the final chapter of an extraordinary 14-year reign as France coach. The 57-year-old will oversee his 187th and final match before stepping down, bringing to an end one of the most successful managerial eras in French football.
Since taking charge in 2012, Deschamps has guided France to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, reached another World Cup final in 2022 and consistently taken Les Bleus deep into major tournaments. His record of 121 victories is the highest by any France manager, while his 27 World Cup matches are the most ever managed by a coach in the tournament’s history.
Deschamps is also one of only three men to have won the FIFA World Cup as both a player and a manager, joining Brazilian legend Mario Zagallo and Germany’s Franz Beckenbauer.
Reflecting on his final match in charge, the veteran coach admitted the occasion would be emotional.
“I know this is the end of the road,” he said. “No one is going to cry, but I know I will miss the French team. These 14 years have given me unforgettable moments—some magical and some difficult. Coaching France has been the greatest experience of my career.”
With Mbappe chasing the Golden Boot, England seeking redemption after their dramatic semi-final defeat to Argentina, and Deschamps preparing to bid farewell to the national team, Saturday’s third-place play-off promises to offer far more than just the battle for the bronze medal.
