Saka’s Hat-Trick Powers England to Bronze Medal Victory Over France in 2026 World Cup Third-Place Playoff

Kylian Mbappé scores twice as England clinch a 6‑4 victory over France in the 2026 World Cup third‑place playoff.

Published On 18 Jul 202618 Jul 2026

England defeated France 6‑4 in a dramatic World Cup third‑place playoff, with Kylian Mbappé becoming the tournament’s all‑time leading scorer.

Both nations entered the 2026 tournament with high expectations, yet each fell short in the semifinals – France to Spain and England to Argentina in a late‑stage collapse.

Both head coaches implemented several tactical changes for Saturday’s match in sweltering Miami, leaving several star players on the substitutes’ bench from the outset.

England manager Thomas Tuchel omitted Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham from the starting eleven, while France’s Didier Deschamps, concluding his 14‑year tenure, left out Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice opened the scoring with a long‑range strike in the third minute, and Ezri Konsa followed with a header to make it 2‑0.

Kylian Mbappé and Michael Olise created chances for France, but England’s backup goalkeeper Dean Henderson performed admirably.

France appeared on the brink of a humiliating defeat when Bukayo Saka extended England’s lead to 3‑0 following a swift counter‑attack.

Just before halftime, Saka added his second goal of the match, prompting Tuchel to celebrate with a fist pump.

France coach Didier Deschamps described the first‑half performance as “catastrophic” to French television channel M6, urging his players to take pride in their effort.

Deschamps made four substitutions, introducing Dembélé, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne and Barcola, and was immediately rewarded when Mbappé scored his ninth tournament goal, surpassing Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

The momentum shifted as Barcola scored another goal for France, while Deschamps clenched his fist on the sideline.

Mbappé then scored his second of the match, bringing his tournament tally to 22 goals and making him the all‑time leading World Cup goalscorer, finishing from Olise’s assist.

This move left him two goals ahead of Messi in the race for the tournament’s top scorer.

France wasted several opportunities to level, while England were awarded a penalty after Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence inside the box.

Saka stepped up to convert the penalty, completing his hat‑trick.

Although Dembélé could have added a fourth for France, Bellingham surged forward to net the 10th goal of the match with a solo effort.

In doing so, Bellingham became the first England player to record seven World Cup goals.

Finishing third gave England their best World Cup result since the 1966 triumph, despite lingering disappointment from their loss to defending champions Argentina.

Deschamps guided France to World Cup victory in 2018 and finished as runners‑up four years later.

France entered the 2026 tournament as favorites after a spectacular start, yet they were comfortably defeated 2‑0 by Spain in the semifinals.

Three‑time champions Argentina will meet European champions Spain in the final at East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.

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