England and France put on a goal-scoring masterclass in what many expected to be an “uninspiring” match. The FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff emerged as one of the most entertaining fixtures of the tournament, with both teams flexing their attacking firepower. The England national football team prevailed in the high-scoring thriller that saw ten goals. Before heading to the Bronze final, the Three Lions boss Thomas Tuchel claimed that his players were lacking motivation after the semi-final defeat. But Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham appeared on the field with a different mindset.
After England took a four-goal lead in the first half, the France national football team had almost made a comeback, with Kylian Mbappe leading from the front, scoring a brace. However, they ended up falling marginally short in Miami.
France vs England Highlights: Bukayo Saka Scores Hat-Trick in FIFA World Cup 2026 Third-Place Match
Arsenal star Bukayo Saka shone the brightest in the Bronze-medal match. He bagged a double in the first half before converting a penalty in the second half to complete a historic World Cup hat-trick. Saka beat France goalkeeper Mike Maignan from close range for the first goal, while showcasing a brilliant solo effort to strike the second.
Watch Bukayo Saka’s Goals vs France:
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Bukayo Saka’s Penalty:
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France vs England: Kylian Mbappe Scores Brace
While Bukayo Saka grabbed the limelight, Kylian Mbappe took a two-goal lead in the FIFA World Cup Golden Boot race. He pulled one back for France early in the second half and scored his second in the 66th minute to register his 10th goal of the tournament.
Watch Kylian Mbappe’s goal vs England:
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Kylian Mbappe’s second goal:
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Special Mention: Jude Bellingham
In the dying minutes of the match, Jude Bellingham ripped through the French defence with a spectacular run to ensure the Bronze medal for England. The Real Madrid midfielder finished the competition with seven goals.
Watch Jude Bellingham’s goal vs France:
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After missing out on the title, Thomas Tuchel and his men would be happy to end the World Cup campaign with a powerful performance and a victory that sealed the bronze medal.
