Miami, July 19: England defeated France 6-4 in a spectacular FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick as Thomas Tuchel’s side clinched the bronze medal in one of the highest-scoring matches in World Cup history.
England raced into an early lead through Declan Rice’s long-range strike in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage with a header. Saka then took centre stage, scoring twice before half-time to hand England a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
France responded strongly after the interval. Kylian Mbappe pulled one back soon after the restart before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further. Mbappe then struck again from Michael Olise’s assist, taking his all-time World Cup tally to 22 goals—the highest in tournament history—and moving ahead in the race for the 2026 Golden Boot.
With France threatening an unlikely comeback, England restored control when Saka calmly converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick and make it 5-3. Ousmane Dembele scored France’s fourth goal late in the contest, but Jude Bellingham sealed the victory with a brilliant solo effort, becoming the first England player to score seven goals in a single World Cup.
The result secured England’s best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, although they will still reflect on their semifinal defeat to defending champions Argentina. France, who entered the tournament among the favourites, ended their campaign in fourth place after suffering defeats to Spain and England in their final two matches.
Spain and Argentina will now meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to decide the world champions.
