England claimed third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France in a dramatic 10-goal thriller.
England defeated France 6-4 in an unforgettable World Cup third-place play-off, with Bukayo Saka scoring a stunning hat-trick. The Three Lions raced into a 4-0 first-half lead before surviving a fierce French comeback to secure their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Declan Rice opened the scoring before Ezri Konsa doubled England’s advantage. Saka struck twice before half-time, but France responded after the break through two goals from Kylian Mbappe and one from Bradley Barcola. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham sealed victory with a brilliant solo goal deep into stoppage time.
England End Tournament on a Historic High
The victory gave England their highest men’s World Cup finish on foreign soil and their best overall result since the 1966 triumph. It was also the highest-scoring third-place match in World Cup history.
Saka became only the second England player after Sir Geoff Hurst to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match, while Bellingham finished the tournament with seven goals. Mbappe also made history by becoming the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 goals.
The third-place match delivered one of the most entertaining games of the tournament and ensured England ended their campaign with a memorable victory.
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