England Defeats France 6-4 to Claim FIFA World Cup 2026 Bronze Medal as Saka Shines with Hat-Trick

England secured third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating France 6-4 in one of the highest-scoring and most dramatic matches in World Cup history. The thrilling third-place playoff featured 10 goals, spectacular attacking football, and several historic individual achievements.

Bukayo Saka produced a memorable performance by scoring a brilliant hat-trick, helping the Three Lions earn their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. Meanwhile, despite France's defeat, Kylian Mbappé made history by becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

England Makes Lightning Start

England wasted no time asserting its dominance.

Midfielder Declan Rice opened the scoring just three minutes into the match before providing the assist for defender Ezri Konsa, who doubled England's lead in the 18th minute.

France struggled defensively throughout the opening half as England continued to attack with confidence.

The star of the first half was Bukayo Saka, who found the net in the 37th and 45th minutes, giving England a commanding 4-0 lead heading into halftime.

France Launches Incredible Comeback

France refused to give up after the break.

Captain Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit in the 48th minute, before Randal Kolo Muani scored six minutes later after an assist from Mbappé to make it 4-2.

Mbappé struck again in the 66th minute, bringing France within one goal and setting up a dramatic finish.

England restored breathing room when Bukayo Saka converted a penalty in the 87th minute to complete his hat-trick and make it 5-3.

France fought back once more as Ousmane Dembélé scored in stoppage time (90+6'), reducing the score to 5-4.

However, Jude Bellingham ended any hopes of a miraculous French comeback by scoring England's sixth goal in the 90+8th minute, sealing an unforgettable 6-4 victory.

Bukayo Saka Delivers Historic Hat-Trick

Bukayo Saka was undoubtedly England's standout performer.

The Arsenal winger scored in the:

• 37th minute
• 45th minute
• 87th minute (Penalty)

His clinical finishing and relentless attacking display earned him the match's biggest spotlight as England celebrated one of its greatest World Cup victories in recent decades.

England Ends Third-Place Playoff Heartbreak

The victory carries special significance for England.

After losing previous third-place matches in 1990 and 2018, the Three Lions avoided a third consecutive defeat in the bronze medal playoff.

The result also marks England's best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966, providing a positive ending to another impressive campaign.

Mbappé Breaks World Cup Goalscoring Record

Although France finished fourth, Kylian Mbappé once again demonstrated why he is regarded as one of football's greatest players.

His two goals against England increased his career World Cup tally to 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record of 21, making Mbappé the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history.

The French captain also moved to 10 goals in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking sole possession of the Golden Boot race heading into the tournament's final.

Lionel Messi, however, still has the opportunity to challenge Mbappé's lead when Argentina faces Spain in the World Cup final.

Match Summary

FIFA World Cup 2026 – Third Place Playoff

England 6–4 France

England Goals:

• Declan Rice (3')
• Ezri Konsa (18')
• Bukayo Saka (37', 45', 87' pen)
• Jude Bellingham (90+8')

France Goals:

• Kylian Mbappé (48', 66')
• Randal Kolo Muani (54')
• Ousmane Dembélé (90+6')

Attention Turns to the World Cup Final

With the bronze medal decided, attention now shifts to the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final, where Argentina will face Spain in a blockbuster showdown for football's biggest prize.

The final will also determine whether Lionel Messi can lead Argentina to another world title and potentially reclaim the Golden Boot race from Kylian Mbappé.