Golden Boot, Ball and Glove races intensify ahead of World Cup final

With just two matches remaining, the race for the FIFA World Cup’s top individual awards is set for a dramatic finish.

Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s final, while France take on England in the third-place playoff on Saturday. Alongside the race for the trophy, attention has turned to the Golden Boot, Golden Ball and Golden Glove awards.

Messi leads Golden Boot race

Lionel Messi and France captain Kylian Mbappe have each scored eight goals, but Messi currently leads the Golden Boot standings with four assists, compared with Mbappe’s three.

Under FIFA rules, if players finish level on goals, assists determine the winner. If they remain tied, the award goes to the player with the better goals-and-assists record in fewer minutes played.

Messi has one final opportunity to extend his lead against Spain, while Mbappe can strengthen his case in France’s third-place playoff against England.

Messi favourite for Golden Ball

Messi is also the leading contender for the Golden Ball, awarded to the tournament’s best player. The Argentina captain won the honour in 2022 and could become the first player to claim it three times.

Unlike the Golden Boot, the Golden Ball is decided by votes from accredited media representatives before the final. Previous winners have included players from runners-up, meaning the award does not depend on lifting the World Cup trophy.

Mbappe, Michael Olise, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also among the leading contenders.

Golden Glove race remains open

The Golden Glove, awarded to the tournament’s best goalkeeper, remains wide open.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha has emerged as one of the standout performers after a series of impressive displays throughout the tournament. Uruguay’s Orlando Gill, Portugal’s Diogo Costa, Switzerland’s Gregor Kobel, Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir are also considered strong contenders.

FIFA will announce the winners of the individual awards after the World Cup final.