England edge France 6-4 in epic 10-goal thriller to secure World Cup 2026 bronze

England ended their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high after defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking third-place playoff, securing the nation's first-ever bronze medal at the tournament.

The thrilling 10-goal encounter in Miami delivered one of the most entertaining matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bukayo Saka scored a stunning hat-trick to inspire the Three Lions, while Kylian Mbappé broke multiple World Cup records despite France's defeat.

The result also marked the end of Didier Deschamps' trophy-filled 14-year reign as France head coach.

England Take Control with Stunning First-Half Display

England made the perfect start despite leaving Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench.

Stand-in captain Declan Rice opened the scoring inside three minutes after intercepting a misplaced pass before unleashing a superb strike from outside the penalty area.

The Three Lions doubled their advantage before the 20-minute mark when Ezri Konsa rose highest to head home Rice's pinpoint corner.

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France struggled to cope with England's relentless attacking football, and the pressure soon produced a third goal. Marcus Rashford led a rapid counterattack before Bukayo Saka calmly finished from close range.

England completed a sensational first-half performance in stoppage time when Eberechi Eze threaded a perfectly weighted pass to Saka, who slotted past Mike Maignan to give Thomas Tuchel's side a commanding 4-0 lead at halftime.

Kylian Mbappé Sparks France Comeback

France returned from the break with renewed intensity after Didier Deschamps made four substitutions.

Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit shortly after halftime with a composed finish following an assist from Michael Olise, strengthening his lead in the race for the tournament's Golden Boot.

Mbappé then turned provider, setting up substitute Bradley Barcola to make it 4-2 as France began to believe in an unlikely comeback.

The Real Madrid superstar struck again after another brilliant pass from Olise, scoring his 22nd FIFA World Cup goal to become the competition's all-time leading scorer, surpassing Lionel Messi.

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His latest goal also saw him become the first player since German legend Gerd Müller in 1970 to score 10 goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament.

Bukayo Saka Hat-Trick Seals England's Bronze Medal

Just as France threatened to complete an extraordinary comeback, England were awarded a penalty after Djed Spence was brought down inside the penalty area by Malo Gusto.

Saka confidently converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick and restore England's two-goal advantage.

Ousmane Dembélé briefly reignited France's hopes with a late goal deep into stoppage time, but England quickly responded.

Jude Bellingham raced clear on the counterattack before calmly finishing to seal a memorable 6-4 victory and secure England's first-ever FIFA World Cup bronze medal.

The goal was Bellingham's seventh of the tournament—the most by an England player in a single FIFA World Cup.