Saka hat-trick helps England down France to win World Cup 2026 Bronze Final

England secured third place at the 2026 World Cup with a 6-4 victory over France in a high-scoring playoff match held in Miami. The encounter proved decisive after both nations experienced disappointing semifinal eliminations—France fell to Spain while England collapsed late against Argentina.

England's manager Thomas Tuchel made tactical adjustments for the match, notably benching Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham initially. France's departing coach Didier Deschamps, concluding his 14-year tenure, also rotated his squad. Declan Rice opened the scoring with a long-range effort in the third minute, followed by Ezri Konsa's header to extend England's lead. Bukayo Saka then capitalized on a swift counterattack to make it 3-0, and added a fourth goal before halftime, prompting Deschamps to describe France's first-half performance as "catastrophic."

France emerged revitalized after the interval following four substitutions. Kylian Mbappe reduced the deficit and subsequently netted a second goal, moving to 22 World Cup career goals and surpassing Lionel Messi as the tournament's all-time leading scorer. Bradley Barcola also found the net during France's comeback attempt. However, England's Saka converted a penalty kick to complete his hat-trick, and Jude Bellingham added a tenth goal with an individual effort, becoming the first England player to score seven goals at a World Cup.

Dembele managed a consolation goal for France, but England held firm to claim their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966. Deschamps departs after leading France to World Cup victory in 2018 and a runners-up finish in 2022.