Saka Reveals Bellingham's Gesture Allowed World Cup Hat-Trick

England winger Bukayo Saka completed a memorable hat-trick during the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff, leading his team to a 6-4 victory over France and securing the nation's best World Cup finish in 60 years. The Arsenal star's third goal came from a penalty kick in the 89th minute.

After the match, Saka shared a heartwarming detail about the penalty. He revealed that teammate Jude Bellingham, who initially held the ball, encouraged Saka to take the shot to complete his hat-trick. "No, Jude never intended to take that ball," Saka explained. "He was the first one to tell me, 'Go complete your hat-trick.' He just held the ball for me, to prevent others from interfering. That ball was always mine to take."

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No, Jude never intended to take that ball. He was the first one to tell me, 'Go complete your hat-trick.' He just held the ball for me, to prevent others from interfering. That ball was always mine to take.

Saka expressed his excitement about achieving the feat in such a crucial match. "Of course, both teams are still disappointed not to have reached the final," he said, referring to the semi-final losses. "But it's important to finish the competition strongly. For us, this is about achieving the best result for the team in 60 years at the World Cup, and we are happy to have won."

The victory marks a significant achievement for England, surpassing their previous best performances in the tournament. The team's strong showing in the third-place match provided a positive conclusion to their World Cup campaign.

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Of course, both teams are still disappointed not to have reached the final, but it's important to finish the competition strongly. For us, this is about achieving the best result for the team in 60 years at the World Cup, and we are happy to have won.