Bukayo Saka produced a sensational hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 in a breathtaking FIFA World Cup third-place playoff to secure the bronze medal. Although Kylian Mbappé scored twice to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, his record-breaking performance was overshadowed by England’s attacking masterclass in one of the highest-scoring matches the tournament has ever witnessed.
England ended their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high after edging France 6-4 in an extraordinary third-place playoff that rewrote several records.
The encounter produced ten goals, breathtaking attacking football and individual brilliance, with Bukayo Saka stealing the spotlight through a memorable hat-trick while Kylian Mbappé etched his name into World Cup history despite finishing on the losing side.
Thomas Tuchel’s side stormed into a commanding first-half lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and two goals from Bukayo Saka, leaving France trailing 4-0 at the break.
However, Didier Deschamps’ men responded brilliantly after halftime as Mbappé inspired an impressive comeback, scoring twice to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of an unlikely turnaround.
Despite France’s defeat, Mbappé reached another remarkable career milestone.
His brace took his World Cup tally to 22 goals, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi as the competition’s all-time leading scorer. The France captain also strengthened his lead in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot after taking his 2026 World Cup tally into double figures.
Just as France threatened to complete their comeback, Saka converted a late penalty to complete his hat-trick before Jude Bellingham added England’s sixth goal in stoppage time to finally settle the contest.
Bellingham’s strike also saw him set a new record for the most goals scored by an England player at a single FIFA World Cup.
The dramatic encounter became the highest-scoring third-place playoff in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing the previous record set in 1958.
It also marked England’s best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, providing a positive conclusion to an otherwise disappointing tournament following their semi-final defeat to Argentina.
While Mbappé left Miami with another individual milestone, the night ultimately belonged to England. Saka’s clinical finishing and England’s relentless attack secured the bronze medal in a match likely to be remembered as one of the greatest third-place playoffs in World Cup history.