Bukayo Saka’s sensational hat-trick inspires England to their best men’s World Cup finish since 1966 in a record-breaking 10-goal thriller against France.
England produced one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 FIFA World Cup by defeating France 6-4 in an extraordinary third-place playoff, with Bukayo Saka scoring a historic hat-trick to help the Three Lions secure the bronze medal.
The thrilling contest featured 10 goals, making it the highest-scoring third-place match in FIFA World Cup history and giving England their best finish at a men’s World Cup since lifting the trophy in 1966.
Saka Makes World Cup History
Bukayo Saka became only the second England men’s player to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup knockout match, following the legendary Sir Geoff Hurst, who achieved the feat in the 1966 World Cup final.
The Arsenal winger delivered a clinical display, scoring twice in the first half before completing his hat-trick from the penalty spot late in the match.
England Dominate First Half
England took complete control during the opening 45 minutes.
Declan Rice opened the scoring before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage inside the first 20 minutes. Saka then struck twice to hand England a commanding 4-0 halftime lead.
It was the first time France had trailed by four goals at halftime since 1930, leaving head coach Didier Deschamps with a mountain to climb in what was his final match in charge of the French national team.
France Fight Back but England Hold On
France mounted a remarkable second-half comeback.
Kylian Mbappe scored twice, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele also found the net as Les Bleus threatened to erase England’s comfortable advantage.
Mbappe’s goals also saw him move ahead in the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot while becoming the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 22 World Cup goals.
However, Saka restored England’s cushion with a penalty in the 87th minute after Djed Spence was fouled inside the penalty area.
Deep into stoppage time, Jude Bellingham sealed the dramatic victory with England’s sixth goal after an impressive solo run.
Record-Breaking Victory
England’s victory marked several historic milestones:
- England recorded their best men’s World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966.
- It became the highest-scoring third-place match in FIFA World Cup history.
- France conceded six goals in a World Cup match for the first time ever.
- Jude Bellingham finished the tournament with seven goals, the most by an England men’s player in a single FIFA World Cup.
Praise for England’s Performance
Football pundits praised England’s attacking display following the final whistle.
Former England defender Stephen Warnock described the performance as “some of the best free-flowing football we have seen all tournament.”
Former midfielder Danny Murphy added that the match showcased outstanding attacking quality and called it one of the finest games of the World Cup.
England’s dominant victory provides a memorable end to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign and offers fresh optimism for the future of Gareth Southgate’s talented squad.
