Saka hat-trick overcomes Mbappe brace as England clinch bronze with 6-4 win over France

England clinched the bronze medal at the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France in a match that produced a record-breaking 10 goals. The win marked England's best World Cup finish on foreign soil since 1966.

England established a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime, with Declan Rice opening the scoring early, followed by a goal from Ezri Konsa. Bukayo Saka then stole the show with two quick goals, marking the first time France had conceded four goals in a single World Cup half.

However, France mounted a dramatic comeback in the second half under manager Didier Deschamps, who was managing his 187th and final game. Kylian Mbappe scored twice, bringing his World Cup tally to 22 goals and surpassing Lionel Messi as the all-time leading scorer. Bradley Barcola also added a goal, reducing England's lead to 4-3.

Despite France's pressure, England regained control. Saka completed his hat-trick from a penalty in the 87th minute. Although Ousmane Dembele scored a late goal for France, Jude Bellingham sealed the historic 6-4 victory for England in stoppage time.