England secured a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in a dramatic FIFA World Cup third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami, recording their best finish at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 1966.
The Three Lions raced into a commanding first-half lead through Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa before Bukayo Saka stole the spotlight with two quick goals.
The Arsenal forward later completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot with three minutes remaining.
Reflecting on the victory, Saka said: “We have to hold our head high. When you lose there is always gonna be noise and when you win there is always gonna be noise. It is how you react to it.”
France mounted a spirited comeback after the interval, inspired by Kylian Mbappé, whose two goals saw him become the highest goalscorer in World Cup history with 22 career goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record of 21.
Mbappé’s first came in the 48th minute when he cleverly guided the ball past Dean Henderson. He struck again in the 66th minute with a composed left-footed finish to move into the record books.
The France captain has now scored 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, two more than Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.
Bradley Barcola also found the net as France reduced the deficit to 4-3, but later conceded a penalty that allowed Saka to complete his treble.
Ousmane Dembélé added another late goal for Les Bleus before substitute Jude Bellingham helped England see out the frantic contest.
The encounter produced the highest-scoring World Cup match since Hungary’s 10-1 victory over El Salvador in 1982 and set a new record for the most goals ever scored in a World Cup third-place playoff.
The result also provided a welcome response for England and manager Thomas Tuchel, who had come under heavy criticism following their painful semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Despite France’s relentless pressure in the closing stages, England held firm to claim the bronze medal in unforgettable fashion.
