MIAMI, Florida — Bukayo Saka completed a hat trick as England survived France’s furious second-half fightback to clinch third place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory on Saturday night (Sunday in the Philippines).
The bronze-medal finish was England’s best showing in the global football tournament since the Three Lions lifted their lone World Cup trophy in 1966.
England seized control in the opening half behind goals from Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa before Saka struck twice to build a commanding 4-0 advantage.
France, however, mounted a spirited comeback after halftime, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice to become the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer with 22 career goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s previous record of 21.
Bradley Barcola also found the back of the net as France trimmed England’s lead to 4-3.
Mbappé finished the tournament with 10 goals, moving two clear of Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.
England regained breathing room late in the match after Barcola conceded a penalty, allowing Saka to complete his hat trick from the spot.
France refused to fold as Ousmane Dembélé scored in stoppage time, but substitute Jude Bellingham helped the Three Lions withstand the final pressure and secure the bronze medal.
“We have to hold our head high,” Saka said after the match. “When you lose there is always gonna be noise and when you win there is always gonna be noise. It is how you react to it.”
The victory gave England a triumphant conclusion to its campaign following a semifinal defeat to Argentina, while France settled for fourth place despite Mbappé’s record-breaking performance./PN
