- Saka Hat Trick Fires England Past France In Thrilling Third Place Match
- Bukayo Saka scored a hat trick as England claimed the bronze medal.
- Mbappé became the World Cup’s all time leading goalscorer with 22 goals.
England produced a stunning attacking performance to defeat France 6-4 in a thrilling third place playoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday night in Miami, securing the tournament’s bronze medal.
The Three Lions made a blistering start, racing into a four goal lead before half time through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a first half brace from Bukayo Saka.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Rice opened the scoring before Konsa doubled England’s advantage. Saka then struck twice to give Thomas Tuchel’s side a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the break.
France mounted an impressive comeback after the restart as captain Kylian Mbappé scored twice and Bradley Barcola added another to reduce the deficit and revive hopes of an unlikely comeback.
However, Saka completed his hat trick from the penalty spot to restore England’s two goal cushion before Jude Bellingham added a sixth goal to put the contest beyond reach.
Ousmane Dembélé scored a late consolation for France, but it was not enough to prevent England from claiming an entertaining 6-4 victory.
The result ensured England ended their World Cup campaign on a positive note by finishing third, while France settled for fourth place after an action packed encounter.
England’s goals came from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, Bukayo Saka, who scored a hat trick, and Jude Bellingham.
France’s goals were scored by Kylian Mbappé, who netted twice, Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé.
Mbappé’s brace also saw the France captain reach a historic milestone. His two goals took his FIFA World Cup tally to 22 goals in 22 appearances, moving him past Lionel Messi’s record of 21 goals in 33 World Cup matches to become the competition’s all time leading scorer.
With the third place playoff concluded, attention now turns to the tournament’s final.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude on Sunday when Spain face defending champions Argentina in the final, with both nations aiming to become the first winners of the expanded 48 team World Cup format.
