England defeated France 6–4 in a thrilling third-place playoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing the bronze medal in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament. The game, played at Miami Stadium, featured 10 goals and an attacking display from both sides that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
According to ESPN, the match is being called "one of the best World Cup games of all time." England's victory marks their best result at the tournament since winning the title in 1966.
Bukayo Saka Hat-Trick Leads England to Bronze
Bukayo Saka was the star of the show for England, scoring a hat-trick to lead his team to victory. The Arsenal winger was a constant threat to the French defense throughout the match.
Declan Rice set the tone early, scoring a curling shot from distance in the third minute. He then assisted Ezri Konsa's header from a corner soon after, giving England a strong start. Jude Bellingham also found the net to seal the victory for the Three Lions.
According to The Athletic, despite France's defeat, captain Kylian Mbappé achieved a historic milestone by scoring twice and becoming the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record with 22 World Cup goals.
Mbappé Makes History Despite France's Loss
While France fell short in the third-place match, Kylian Mbappé's performance was historic. The French captain scored twice, bringing his World Cup career total to 22 goals and breaking the all-time record previously held by Lionel Messi.
France mounted a spirited comeback during the match, but England secured the result late in the game. The high-scoring contest in Miami was one of the most entertaining matches of the entire tournament.
According to NLBantz, England's third-place finish is their best result at the tournament since their 1966 World Cup victory.
A 10-Goal Spectacle in Miami
The match was a goal-fest from start to finish. Rice opened the scoring in the third minute with a stunning curler from distance. He then turned provider, assisting Konsa's header from a corner to double England's lead.
France fought back, with Mbappé leading the charge. But Saka's hat-trick and Bellingham's goal proved too much for the French side. The match ended 6–4, with England celebrating their bronze medal victory.
According to Reddit, England were officially awarded their bronze medals after the match, marking a memorable achievement for the team.
Our Take: A Fitting End to a Memorable Tournament
This third-place playoff was everything a neutral fan could hope for — end-to-end action, world-class goals, and historic milestones. England's performance, led by Saka's hat-trick, showed their attacking depth and resilience. For France, Mbappé's record is a testament to his brilliance, even in defeat.
In our view, this match proves that third-place playoffs can be just as thrilling as finals. Both teams played with freedom and ambition, creating a spectacle that will be remembered for years. England's bronze medal is a sign of progress, while Mbappé's legacy as the greatest World Cup goalscorer is now cemented in history.
