England Beat France 6-4 in World Cup Goal Fest

News Desk

England claimed third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking playoff that produced 10 goals, dramatic momentum swings and a hat-trick from Bukayo Saka.

Played in Miami, the contest delivered one of the tournament’s most entertaining matches as England dominated the opening half before surviving a fierce French comeback. Saka emerged as the standout performer with three goals, while Jude Bellingham capped the spectacle by scoring a stunning solo effort with the final kick of the match.

France, inspired by a brace from Kylian Mbappe, mounted a spirited second-half fightback but fell short in a game that showcased attacking football from both sides.

Despite the defeat, Mbappe strengthened his lead in the race for the Golden Boot with 10 tournament goals, leaving Argentina captain Lionel Messi, on eight, needing a big performance in the final against Spain to challenge for the award. Bellingham moved into third place with seven goals.

The result marked England’s best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966, providing a positive conclusion to Thomas Tuchel’s first World Cup campaign in charge. The German manager, who had faced criticism after England’s semifinal exit, applauded his coaching staff during the post-match medal ceremony by handing his bronze medal to a member of his backroom team in recognition of their work.

England captain Harry Kane led his teammates onto the podium to collect their bronze medals before the squad completed a lap of appreciation for supporters who had followed them throughout the tournament across the United States and Mexico.

For France, the match also marked the end of an era as Didier Deschamps took charge of the national team for the final time. Fans paid tribute with banners reading “Merci Didier” as the World Cup-winning captain and coach concluded a remarkable tenure that included a record 19 World Cup victories.

The tournament now heads to its climax, with Spain set to face defending champions Argentina in Sunday’s World Cup final, where teenage sensation Lamine Yamal and Lionel Messi will headline the battle for football’s biggest prize.