MIAMI — Bukayo Saka delivered a scintillating hat-trick as England defeated France 6-4 in a breathtaking FIFA World Cup third-place playoff, securing the bronze medal after one of the highest-scoring matches in the tournament’s history.
The thrilling contest at Miami Stadium featured 10 goals, dramatic momentum swings and a remarkable late finish, with England surviving a spirited French comeback to claim their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.
England wasted little time asserting themselves, taking the lead in the third minute through Declan Rice. Defender Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 18th minute with a towering header from a corner before Saka struck twice in quick succession, finding the net in the 37th minute and again in first-half stoppage time to hand the Three Lions a commanding 4-0 lead at the interval.
France emerged from the break with renewed purpose.
Kylian Mbappé ignited the comeback with a goal in the 48th minute before Bradley Barcola added a second six minutes later. Mbappé struck again in the 66th minute to reduce the deficit to 4-3, raising hopes of an unlikely turnaround.
England, however, steadied themselves in the closing stages. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to restore a two-goal cushion.
France responded once more when Ousmane Dembélé scored deep into stoppage time, but Jude Bellingham ended any hopes of another comeback with England’s sixth goal in the eighth minute of added time.
Saka’s clinical finishing proved decisive, while Rice contributed a goal and an assist in an influential midfield performance. Mbappé’s brace inspired France’s second-half resurgence, but England’s attack ultimately proved too potent.
The victory provided a fitting response to England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina and ensured Gareth Southgate’s side concluded their campaign on the podium.
France, who had lost 2-0 to Spain in the other semi-final, finished fourth after a tournament that ended on a disappointing note. The defeat also marked the end of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as head coach of the French national team.
The extraordinary 6-4 scoreline ensured the bronze-medal match will be remembered as one of the most entertaining and highest-scoring contests in FIFA World Cup history.
