This is the first time England have won the third-place match at a World Cup. They lost to Belgium in 2018 and Italy in 1990.
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Bukayo Saka's hat-trick helped England beat France 6-4 in the third-place play-off at the 2026 World Cup on Sunday, securing a consolation win. The match in Miami between the two teams that failed to reach the final was a thrilling one. Despite the defeat, France captain Kylian Mbappe scored twice to remain the tournament's leading scorer. It was Mbappe's tenth goal, overtaking Argentina's Lionel Messi. He is now a strong contender for the Golden Boot award. Messi has scored eight goals. Mbappe's tally of goals in World Cup history has reached 22, making him the highest scorer. This is the first time England have won the third-place play-off at a World Cup. England lost to Belgium in 2018 and Italy in 1990.
England took the lead in the third minute through captain Declan Rice. Ezri Konsa added a second goal in the 18th minute. Saka then scored twice towards the end of the second half to make it 4–0.
Saka scored his first goal in the 37th minute and then added another in the first minute of injury time. France then hit back with three goals. Mbappe scored one each in the 48th and 68th minutes. Bradley Barkola scored in the 54th minute.
Saka completed his hat-trick for England with a penalty in the 87th minute. Ousmane Dembele scored France's fourth goal in the sixth minute of injury time of the second half. Jude Bellingham scored England's sixth goal two minutes later.
