Does World Cup third place play-off count towards Golden Boot?
Does World Cup Third Place Play-Off Count Towards Golden Boot in FIFA World Cup 2026?
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is just around the corner, and fans are eagerly awaiting the tournament. One of the most prestigious individual awards in the World Cup is the Golden Boot, which is awarded to the top scorer in the tournament. However, there is often confusion about whether the third place play-off match counts towards the Golden Boot award. In this article, we will explore this topic in detail and provide clarity on the matter.
Understanding the Golden Boot Award
The Golden Boot award is presented to the player who scores the most goals in the World Cup. The award is highly coveted, and players often go to great lengths to win it. The criteria for winning the Golden Boot are straightforward – the player with the most goals at the end of the tournament is declared the winner. However, there is often debate about whether goals scored in the third place play-off match should be included in the tally.
Historical Precedent and FIFA Rules
In the past, FIFA has been consistent in its approach to the Golden Boot award. According to FIFA rules,
