MIAMI, July 19 (Alliance News): England defeated France 6-4 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff on Saturday, securing the bronze medal after an action-packed contest in Miami, while France’s Kylian Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.
England raced into an early lead through Declan Rice before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage. Bukayo Saka then stole the spotlight with a superb hat-trick, helping England establish a commanding first-half lead.
France responded strongly after the break, with Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola adding another as Les Bleus mounted an impressive comeback. However, Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham sealed England’s victory with a late individual goal.
Mbappe’s brace took his World Cup tally to 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer.
The victory handed England third place in the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, marking their best tournament finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. Despite missing out on the final following a semi-final defeat to Argentina, Thomas Tuchel’s side ended the campaign on a positive note.
France, managed by Didier Deschamps in his final World Cup, fell short despite a spirited second-half fightback. The 2018 champions had entered the tournament among the favourites but were eliminated by Spain in the semi-finals.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 concludes on Sunday with defending champions Argentina taking on European champions Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
