Mbappe breaks all-time WC goal record as Saka hat-trick fails France in 10-goal thriller
England defeated France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff, featuring a hat-trick by Bukayo Saka. Despite the loss, Kylian Mbappé set a new all-time World Cup goal-scoring record.
Why it matters
The match represents a significant historical milestone in international football, shifting the record books for the sport's most prestigious tournament.
A historic evening for French talisman Kylian Mbappé ended in bittersweet heartbreak as England clinched a wild 6-4 victory in an astonishing, high-scoring third-place playoff at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night. While Mbappé cemented his status as a footballing immortal by becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, it was a sensational hat-trick from Bukayo Saka and a late Jude Bellingham solo masterclass that earned England the bronze medal.Despite superstars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham initially starting on the bench, a clinical England side tore through the French defense early on to establish a commanding 4-0 lead. France, still hurting from their semifinal exit against Spain, looked completely buried before their captain single-handedly dragged them back into contention.Mbappé began the rescue act in the 48th minute, smartly flicking a shot past Three Lions goalkeeper Dean Henderson.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in