England secured a 6-4 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place play-off in Miami, marking the highest-scoring bronze medal match in tournament history. Bukayo Saka netted a hat-trick, while Kylian Mbappé set a new all-time World Cup scoring record with 22 goals, despite Didier Deschamps’ final match as French head coach ending in a defensive collapse.
A Historic Goalfest in Miami
The 2026 third-place match defied typical expectations for a consolation game, producing a record-breaking ten goals. England dominated the first half, with Declan Rice opening the scoring in the 3rd minute following a turnover by Désiré Doué. Further goals from Ezri Konsa and two from Bukayo Saka gave England a 4-0 lead by halftime.
France’s response in the second half was immediate. Following four tactical substitutions by Didier Deschamps at the interval, the team clawed back to 3-4 through Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola. However, a late penalty from Saka and a stoppage-time strike from Jude Bellingham ultimately sealed the 6-4 win for England, according to match records.
Did you know? Bukayo Saka became only the fourth English player to score a World Cup hat-trick, joining the ranks of Geoff Hurst (1966), Gary Lineker (1986), and Harry Kane (2018).
Mbappé and Olise Set Individual Records
While France missed out on a collective podium finish, the match saw significant individual milestones. Kylian Mbappé’s two goals brought his career World Cup tally to 22, making him the tournament’s all-time leading scorer. This performance surpassed the previous record held by Lionel Messi.
Michael Olise also etched his name into the record books. Despite failing to score himself, Olise provided the assists for France’s comeback efforts, finishing the tournament with seven assists. According to historical tournament data, this surpasses the previous record of six assists set by Pelé in 1970.
Tactical Shifts and Defensive Struggles
The match highlighted a stark contrast in defensive stability. England’s performance, led by goalkeeper Henderson filling in for Pickford, remained composed enough to weather the French surge. Conversely, France’s defensive structure struggled throughout the first half, allowing England to exploit space consistently.
The turning point for France arrived with the halftime changes, which forced England onto the back foot for much of the second half. The momentum only shifted back when Malo Gusto conceded a penalty for a foul on Spence, allowing Saka to restore a two-goal cushion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the record for most World Cup goals?
Kylian Mbappé holds the record with 22 career World Cup goals, a milestone reached during the 2026 third-place play-off.
How many goals were scored in the England vs. France match?
The match ended 6-4, with a total of 10 goals scored, making it the highest-scoring third-place match in World Cup history.
Which English players scored in the third-place match?
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, while Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and Jude Bellingham added one goal each.
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