Soccer
Is Kylian Mbappe primed to take control of the Golden Boot race?
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The second round of World Cup group games is reaching its climax, and today is the turn of France to once again show why they have been tagged as one of the favourites for the competition.
After a below-par first half against Senegal in their opener, the French turned it on in the second period and ran out 3-1 winners, with their movement along the frontline particularly impressive.
Leading that attacking threat was Kylian Mbappe, who opened his account for the tournament with two of the goals in the victory.
Next up then is Iraq, where a win would confirm France's place in the knockouts, but does it also give their captain a first opportunity to take control of the Golden Boot race, too?
Kylian Mbappé – World Cup 2022 Golden Boot winner
Every goal from Mbappé’s 2022 tournament
More records for Mbappe
2026 has already been a record-breaking tournament for the Real Madrid forward.
His brace against Senegal not only moved him up the all-time World Cup goal-scorers list, where he's just two behind Lionel Messi and Miroslav Klose, but it also finally confirmed him as his country's record goal-scorer.
At 27, it means he'll probably go on to own both records, and it's hard to see them being broken for some time, but in the meantime, he has the chance to do something no player has done in the history of the World Cup.
As a member of the Golden Boot club already, having won the award in 2022, another shiny shoe this year, and he'd be the first player to ever win two World Cup Golden Boots.
(C)Getty Images
It would mark yet another remarkable achievement for the French number 10, and he'll get a first shot at staking that claim when he comes up against Iraq.
The Asian side was soundly beaten by Norway in their first game, and therefore, there is a belief that the game presents a perfect opportunity for Mbappe to add to his two goals.
He is one behind the trio of Jonathan David, Deniz Undav, and Lionel Messi at the top of the charts, with the first two names having already played their second group game.
However, the big stars are out for gold in North America, and Messi is among several big guns rivalling the French star.
Heavy hitters want glory
Iraq has already felt the wrath of Erling Haaland, who netted his first World Cup goals in Norway's win, while Harry Kane is also already off the mark with two goals and has Ghana and Panama in his sights.
It already feels like the Golden Boot winner could come from that quartet, with Kane also looking to double down on the award after his win in 2018.
Asked about the race and who's the best ahead of the game in Philadelphia, Mbappe was quick to heap praise on the man he starred alongside in the final four years ago.
"Lionel Messi is the best, it's clear," he said.
"He is the best in the world, alongside Cristiano; that is clear.
"He has shown in his 15 years that he has an amazing quality. Me, I try to do what I can do on the biggest stage to help my team win the World Cup.
"The rest is a debate for other people. Journalists, fans of football, and I think it's good to debate about the players and to see who is the best, who performs better, but for me, it's not a question in my head. It's just about how I can help my team tomorrow."
(C)Getty Images
Can anyone stop the big four?
Mbappe may not want to comment on his chances, but it feels likely that this is a World Cup where one of the big four takes home the prize - especially with France, England, and Argentina expected to go deep into the competition.
Iraq will be the Frenchman's best chance in the group to rack up the goals, with Norway to come and meet with Haaland, where goals are unlikely to be plentiful.
Outside of those, Mikel Oyarzabal, Cody Gakpo, and Vinicius Jr could rival the quartet, but it would be a big ask to usurp all of the big guns and take the prize.
But first it's over to the Frenchman to not only book France's spot in the Round of 32, but to lay a marker down for him to go on and make World Cup history once again.
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