Kylian Mbappé moved ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the World Cup Golden Boot on Thursday, scoring his eighth goal of the tournament to lead France past Morocco, 2-0, and into a third straight World Cup semifinal.
Mbappé missed a first-half penalty saved by Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, but atoned in the 60th minute with a curling strike into the far corner at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. Ousmane Dembélé doubled the lead six minutes later off a Mbappé assist. Both Mbappé and Messi now sit at eight goals for the tournament, but Mbappé's three assists to Messi's one currently gives him the tiebreaker edge atop the standings.
The goal also pushed Mbappé to 20 career World Cup goals in 20 matches, one behind Messi's all-time record of 21. Mbappé was seen with an ice pack on his ankle late in the match after appearing to take a knock, though he returned to celebrate with teammates and the injury did not appear serious.
As JubileeCast has followed throughout this tournament, Mbappé has repeatedly credited his run to his Catholic faith, calling his career "a gift from God" he can't explain by talent alone. Messi has echoed similar language after his own milestones this summer, and the two have each pointed skyward following goals that have defined the 2026 tournament's scoring race.
Messi will have a chance to reclaim the lead when Argentina faces Switzerland in the quarterfinals Saturday. France now awaits the winner of Friday's match between Belgium and Spain.
Related Article: Kylian Mbappé Penalty Sends France Past Paraguay into World Cup 2026 Quarterfinals, Draws Level With Lionel Messi in Golden Boot Race
