A 10-Goal Thriller in Miami: What the Wildest World Cup Third-Place Match Reveals About 2028

There is a little-known truth about the World Cup third-place playoff: it is often the most entertaining fixture of the entire tournament. With no team sitting back and no side playing in fear, two physically and emotionally drained teams simply turn up and play.

On Saturday in Miami, fans were treated to a spectacle unlike any other. England defeated France 6-4 in a remarkable ten-goal contest that resembled less a bronze-medal match and more a casual kickabout where defending was apparently optional.

The reason was straightforward: with no major prize at stake, both sides played without restraint.

France’s Kylian Mbappe faces pressure from England’s Ezri Konsa during the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match. (Photo by Manuel Velasquez – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Thomas Tuchel had faced heavy criticism throughout the week for his cautious approach against Argentina, yet his freed-up side proceeded to score six times against France. For England supporters, the episode was bittersweet: talent was never the issue, mentality was.

History was written quickly. Kylian Mbappé netted twice, taking his tournament tally to 10 and his career World Cup total to 22—one ahead of Lionel Messi. For at least a day, Mbappé stands as the competition’s all-time leading scorer, though Messi has his own opportunity in Sunday’s final.

Jude Bellingham’s strike was his seventh of the tournament, making him the first Englishman to score seven goals at a single World Cup, surpassing the mark of six set by Gary Lineker in 1986 and matched by Harry Kane in 2018. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, left out of the semifinal, responded with a hat trick—the most understated act of revenge imaginable, and very much in character.

Now comes the intriguing question: what lies ahead for these two nations? Both depart North America disappointed by their semifinal outcomes, yet each boasts a wealth of elite talent poised for Euro 2028.

Beginning with France, the future appears exceptional. Mbappé, at 27 and entering his peak, spent the past month reaffirming his status as potentially the world’s finest player. Désiré Doué represents a bright prospect, even if game time was limited amid the surrounding generational talent.

The attacking unit is arguably the youngest elite group in world football and is set to be led by Zinedine Zidane, expected to succeed Didier Deschamps following the conclusion of the latter’s 14-year tenure on Saturday.

French football legend and coach Zinedine Zidane (Photo by Thibaud MORITZ / AFP via Getty Images)

Few coaches command the aura Zidane brings to a dressing room. Not traditionally known for intricate tactics, he excels at managing world-class personalities, as demonstrated at Real Madrid. Conceding six to England was a difficult farewell for Deschamps, but the squad he leaves behind is extraordinary. If Zidane can combine that attacking firepower with the defensive solidity that Spain exploited and England dismantled, France will enter Euro 2028 as favorites. Mbappé remains the standard-bearer and may feature in three more World Cups.

England’s path is equally clear and, for once, genuinely optimistic. Regardless of Tuchel’s fate after the Argentina review, the next cycle centers on three figures.

Bellingham, 23, has broken a 40-year scoring record and is now indisputably the team’s leader—the mantle was not handed over by Kane so much as taken by Bellingham mid-tournament.

Declan Rice continues as the midfield foundation every contender desires. Saka, meanwhile, reminded any future England manager of the cost of omitting him. Kane will be 34 by the European Championship, probably transitioning into a supporting role. This is no rebuild, but a core entering its prime together, fueled by the pain of another semifinal loss.

That is the true takeaway from Saturday.

England’s longstanding issue has never been talent, but the nerve to deploy it when it matters most. A side capable of scoring six against France already exists within this squad—it simply arrived one game too late. The next manager’s sole task is to evoke that performance in a semifinal rather than a consolation match.

Emerging from this chaotic playoff, France likely gains Zidane, a youthful attack, and the world’s temporary all-time World Cup scorer. England leaves with its best finish since 1966 and a core built to surpass that legacy. See you both in two years.

Sunday brings the trophy, but don’t pretend you didn’t enjoy the circus.

France vs England Highlights 2026 FIFA World Cup | Bronze Final

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