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England national football team claimed the FIFA World Cup 2026™ bronze medal after defeating France national football team 6-4 in one of the most dramatic and entertaining matches of the tournament.
The third-place play-off in Miami produced an incredible 10 goals, breathtaking attacking football and a memorable hat-trick from Bukayo Saka.
England Dominate First Half
England overwhelmed France from the opening whistle, racing into a remarkable 4-0 lead before halftime.
Saka struck twice during the opening period, while Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa also found the net as the Three Lions delivered one of their finest attacking displays of the competition.
France struggled to cope with England’s pace, movement and relentless pressure throughout the opening 45 minutes.
France Launch Stunning Comeback
The second half saw an extraordinary response from France as the former world champions fought back with renewed intensity.
Kylian Mbappe inspired the revival with two goals, while Bradley Barcola also found the scoresheet to reduce the deficit and reignite hopes of an unlikely comeback.
The contest transformed into an end-to-end spectacle as both sides exchanged attacking blows.
Saka Completes Brilliant Hat-Trick
Just as France appeared capable of producing a sensational recovery, England restored control.
Saka calmly converted a penalty to complete a superb hat-trick, capping one of the finest individual performances of the tournament.
His clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive as England regained breathing space during the closing stages.
Bellingham Finishes the Job
With France committing numbers forward in search of another comeback, England struck one final time deep into stoppage time.
Jude Bellingham fired home in the 98th minute to complete the remarkable 6-4 victory and officially secure third place for England.
The dramatic finish capped one of the highest-scoring knockout matches in recent World Cup history within this tournament scenario.
Key Highlights
- England defeat France 6-4 in the third-place play-off.
- Bukayo Saka scores a superb hat-trick.
- England lead 4-0 at halftime.
- Kylian Mbappe scores twice for France.
- Jude Bellingham adds a stoppage-time goal.
- England finish the tournament with the bronze medal.
Final Takeaway
England’s thrilling victory over France delivered one of the most unforgettable matches of FIFA World Cup 2026™. Bukayo Saka’s outstanding hat-trick and Jude Bellingham’s late goal ensured the Three Lions ended their campaign on a high by securing third place in spectacular fashion.
