Deschamps: Mbappe Ready to Chase World Cup 2026 Golden Boot

Didier Deschamps, the coach of the French national team, has stated that Kylian Mbappe is prepared to vie for the Golden Boot at the 2026 World Cup. Mbappe is currently in a close race with Lionel Messi, both having scored eight goals. However, Messi leads the race due to more assists, making the upcoming third-place match against England a crucial opportunity for Mbappe to overtake him and secure the top scorer award.

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I have a duty as head coach to do everything I can to achieve tomorrow's goal. I hope we can do it, and we have to show all our effort for it.

"I have a duty as head coach to do everything I can to achieve tomorrow's goal. I hope we can do it, and we have to show all our effort for it," Deschamps said, according to ESPN. He acknowledged that goals scored in the third-place playoff count towards the Golden Boot.

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I don't want to betray the discussions I had with the players. I don't have all the elements yet, but yes, I will change some players.

Deschamps also revealed his intention to make changes to the lineup for the final match of his tenure, having led the team since 2012. "I don't want to betray the discussions I had with the players. I don't have all the elements yet, but yes, I will change some players," he stated. The coach, who captained France to victory in 1998, described managing the national team as the most significant experience of his professional career, calling it "the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me."

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The national team of France, with all that it entails in my professional life, is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me.

Despite the disappointment of not reaching the final, French defender Ibrahima Konate emphasized the team's responsibility to play with honor. "It was not our goal. We wanted to play in the final, but we still represent France. It is a dream for many to wear this jersey and sing the Marseillaise, so we must respect the jersey we wear," Konate said.

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It was not our goal. We wanted to play in the final, but we still represent France. It is a dream for many to wear this jersey and sing the Marseillaise, so we must respect the jersey we wear.