Could an extra game put Just Fontaine’s World Cup goal-scoring record under threat?

DUBAI: As Adidas unveiled the redesigned Golden Boot trophy for the FIFA World Cup 2026, another prize has emerged in one of the tournament’s most intriguing storylines.

French striker Just Fontaine’s record of 13 goals in a single World Cup has stood since Sweden 1958. But with the expanded 48-team tournament allowing finalists to play up to eight matches instead of seven, this year’s leading scorers have an extra opportunity to challenge an achievement that has remained untouched for nearly seven decades.

Defending Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappe is in the strongest position. His two goals against Sweden moved him level with Lionel Messi on six goals, while giving him the edge in the Golden Boot race due to his assists. Erling Haaland is one goal behind on five, with Ousmane Dembele and Vinicius Junior on four.

If Mbappe finishes as the tournament’s top scorer, he will become the first player in World Cup history to win the Golden Boot twice, having claimed the award in Qatar in 2022. He would also move a step closer to another milestone; with France still in the running, Mbappe could have four matches remaining — and he needs seven more goals to equal Fontaine’s record.

Only two players have come close before. Sandor Kocsis scored 11 goals in Switzerland in 1954, while Gerd Muller netted 10 in Mexico in 1970. No player has reached double figures at a single World Cup since.

The extra match does not guarantee the record will fall. A longer tournament also brings greater physical demands, increased fatigue and more squad rotation, while knockout football is traditionally tighter and lower scoring.

Whoever wins the Golden Boot will receive the newly unveiled trophy, inspired by the iconic Predator boot. This