Saka’s hat trick lifts England past Mbappé and France 6-4 in epic World Cup third-place match
England defeated France 6-4 in a high-scoring World Cup third-place match, featuring a hat trick by Bukayo Saka. Despite the win, coach Thomas Tuchel expressed disappointment at missing the final, while Kylian Mbappé set a new record for total World Cup goals.
Why it matters
The match highlights significant individual milestones and the competitive nature of international soccer, even in consolation fixtures.
England's Bukayo Saka celebrates with Jude Bellingham and Reece James after scoring their fifth goal, his third, during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., on Saturday. Lynne Sladky/The Associated Press
England and France delivered a thriller in a World Cup match that was supposed to be an afterthought.
A day before Lionel Messi and Argentina were set to try and defend their title in a highly anticipated final, Bukayo Saka scored three goals to lead England past Kylian Mbappé and France 6-4 in a wild third-place game.
Mbappé surpassed Messi’s record for World Cup goals, scoring twice in the second half. The 27-year-old star has 22 goals in his career and 10 in this World Cup, two ahead of Messi in the Golden Boot race.
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