England Beat France in World Cup Third-Place Thriller

England clinched third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, achieving their best finish since winning the tournament in 1966, with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France. The match, held at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 18, became one of the highest-scoring World Cup games since 1982.

England established a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime, with goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and a brace from Bukayo Saka. Rice opened the scoring early, and Konsa doubled the advantage from a Rice corner. Saka then added two more goals before the break, overwhelming the French side.

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England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a dramatic 6-4 victory over France in one of the tournament's most extraordinary matches at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 18, delivering their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

France manager Didier Deschamps made four substitutions at halftime, introducing fresh attacking options including Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola. These changes dramatically shifted the game's momentum in the second half. Kylian Mbappe quickly pulled a goal back, followed by another from Barcola, and then Mbappe scored again in the 66th minute, completing a remarkable comeback and bringing France within one goal.

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The 10-goal contest was the highest-scoring World Cup match since 1982, with England surviving a remarkable French comeback before Jude Bellingham's stoppage-time strike sealed the win.

Mbappe's second goal also saw him surpass Lionel Messi's career tally to become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history. Despite France's spirited fightback, England regained control when Saka converted a penalty in the 87th minute. France continued to press, with Dembele scoring in stoppage time to make it 5-4, setting up a tense finale. Ultimately, substitute Jude Bellingham sealed England's victory with a brilliant solo run and calm finish in the eighth minute of added time.

The result marked an emotional conclusion to Deschamps' 14-year tenure as France coach. While France finished fourth, England celebrated their bronze medal, showcasing their attacking strength under coach Thomas Tuchel.

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His second goal also saw the France captain become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing Lionel Messi's career tally.