Bukayo Saka scores a hat-trick while Kylian Mbappé becomes the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer in a thrilling 10-goal encounter.
ASAL POST |⚽ FIFA WORLD CUP 2026
MIAMI, USA – England claimed third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking 10-goal playoff on Saturday, while French captain Kylian Mbappé became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.
The third-place clash delivered a goal-filled spectacle after both sides suffered disappointing semi-final defeats, with England losing to Argentina and France falling to Spain.
England made a dream start as Declan Rice fired home from long range in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead with a powerful header. The Three Lions continued to dominate, with Bukayo Saka scoring twice before halftime to give Thomas Tuchel’s side a commanding 4-0 advantage.
France, however, mounted a spirited comeback after the break. Coach Didier Deschamps introduced several key players, including Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, and the changes paid immediate dividends.
Mbappé pulled one back before Barcola added another to reduce the deficit. The French captain then scored his second of the match his 22nd World Cup goal to become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing the previous record.
England restored their cushion when Saka converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick, while Dembélé grabbed France’s fourth goal late in the contest.
Jude Bellingham then capped the thrilling encounter with England’s sixth goal, becoming the first England player to score seven goals at a FIFA World Cup.
The victory secured England’s best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, although the Three Lions will reflect on what might have been after their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to defending champions Argentina.
France, champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, ended their campaign in fourth place after entering the tournament as one of the favourites.
Attention now turns to Sunday’s World Cup final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where Argentina will face Spain in a blockbuster showdown for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
