The match few expected to matter ended up delivering one of the most unforgettable spectacles in World Cup history.
England claimed third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 6-4 victory over France in a breathtaking contest that featured 10 goals, relentless attacking football, and momentum swings from start to finish.
The result gave England their highest men’s World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966 and marked their best-ever performance at a World Cup held outside home soil. It also became the highest-scoring third-place play-off in tournament history, surpassing France’s famous 6-3 win over West Germany in 1958.
Saka Makes History
Bukayo Saka produced the performance of his international career, scoring a sensational hat-trick to become only the second England men’s player to net three goals in a World Cup knockout match after Sir Geoff Hurst’s legendary feat in the 1966 final.
He also became just the second player ever to score a World Cup knockout hat-trick against France, joining Brazilian icon Pele, who achieved the feat in 1958.
England Storm Into Command
Still hurting from their heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina, England responded in emphatic fashion by racing into a commanding 4-0 lead before half-time.
Captain Declan Rice opened the scoring after intercepting a loose pass and firing beyond Mike Maignan from distance.
Ezri Konsa doubled England’s advantage minutes later by heading home from Rice’s near-post corner.
England’s relentless attacking play continued as Saka struck twice before the interval. He first converted after Marcus Rashford set him up following an initial save by Maignan, before finishing another flowing move with a composed strike from an Eberechi Eze through ball in first-half stoppage time.
For the first time since April 1930, France found themselves trailing by four goals at half-time.
France’s Stunning Fightback
France emerged after the break with renewed intensity.
Kylian Mbappe reduced the deficit with a first-time finish before Bradley Barcola added another six minutes later to ignite hopes of an unlikely comeback.
Mbappe struck again following a superb team move, taking his tournament tally to 10 goals. The brace moved him ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot while also making him the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals.
France continued to pile on the pressure and created several excellent chances, but England goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a series of crucial saves to preserve his side’s narrow advantage.
Saka Completes His Hat-Trick
As France searched desperately for an equaliser, England earned a late penalty after Djed Spence was brought down by Malo Gusto.
Saka calmly converted from the spot in the 87th minute to complete his memorable hat-trick and restore England’s two-goal cushion.
Ousmane Dembele curled home deep into stoppage time to make it 5-4 and set up a dramatic finale.
However, Jude Bellingham delivered the decisive moment with virtually the last kick of the match. Picking up the ball inside his own half, he surged through France’s defence before calmly finishing to seal a remarkable 6-4 victory.
Records Continue to Fall
The match produced a series of remarkable milestones:
- England recorded their best men’s World Cup finish since 1966.
- It became the highest-scoring third-place play-off in World Cup history.
- France conceded six goals in a World Cup match for the first time ever.
- Bellingham finished the tournament with seven goals, the most by an England men’s player at a single World Cup.
- Mbappe became the first player since Gerd Müller in 1970 to score 10 goals in a single men’s World Cup.
England’s Performance Raises Questions
England’s vibrant attacking display inevitably prompted questions about their approach in the semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Manager Thomas Tuchel made seven changes to his starting XI, including leaving Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench while handing Bukayo Saka a starting role despite concerns over his fitness.
Saka repaid that faith with a world-class display, scoring three goals, having another ruled out for offside, and consistently troubling France’s defence.
His performance has left many wondering why England failed to utilise his attacking qualities more effectively during the semi-final.
Deschamps Bows Out
The match also marked the end of Didier Deschamps’ remarkable tenure as France manager.
His 187th and final match in charge concluded with a thrilling defeat despite France’s spirited second-half comeback.
Having guided France to World Cup glory in 2018, Deschamps leaves as one of the nation’s most successful coaches, though his reign ends after an entertaining encounter that showcased both France’s attacking brilliance and defensive vulnerabilities.
What began as a match many believed neither team truly wanted to play ultimately produced one of the greatest third-place play-offs in World Cup history—an extraordinary contest filled with attacking quality, individual brilliance, and unforgettable drama. England walked away with the bronze medal, while football fans were left with a classic that will be remembered for years to come.
