Saka Hat-Trick Fires England Past France In 10-Goal World Cup Thriller To Clinch Bronze
England claimed the 2026 World Cup bronze medal following a 6-4 victory over France in a high-scoring match. The game featured a hat-trick by Bukayo Saka and a late goal by Jude Bellingham to seal the win.
Why it matters
This match is noted as one of the highest-scoring and most dramatic third-place play-offs in the history of the tournament.
England claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after surviving a dramatic French comeback to record a pulsating 6-4 victory in an unforgettable third-place play-off, with Bukayo Saka producing a magnificent hat-trick.
The Three Lions appeared to have the contest wrapped up by half-time after racing into a stunning four-goal lead, only for France to stage a remarkable second-half fightback before England sealed victory with two late goals.
Declan Rice gave England the perfect start, opening the scoring after just three minutes. The Arsenal midfielder then turned provider in the 18th minute, setting up Ezri Konsa to double England’s advantage.
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