England defeated France 6-4 in a dramatic third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, setting a record for the most goals scored in a World Cup bronze final. The match, held at Miami Stadium, saw England secure its best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966.
England established an early lead, with Declan Rice opening the scoring in the 3rd minute. Ezri Konsa extended the advantage in the 18th minute, and Bukayo Saka added a third goal in the 37th minute. Saka scored again before halftime, giving England a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the break.
France mounted a significant comeback in the second half. Kylian Mbappe scored in the 48th minute, not only getting France on the board but also surpassing Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and reaching 21 career World Cup goals. Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further minutes later, making it 4-2.
Mbappe continued his surge, scoring his second of the match in the 66th minute to bring France within one goal and extend his lead in the Golden Boot standings. Despite the pressure, England was awarded a penalty kick, which Bukayo Saka converted for his hat trick, restoring a two-goal cushion.
In the closing moments, Jude Bellingham added a final goal for England, his seventh of the tournament, sealing the 6-4 victory. The previous record for goals in a World Cup third-place match was set in 1958 between France and West Germany.
Both teams entered the match following semifinal defeats. France lost to Spain, while England was defeated by reigning champions Argentina. The third-place match provided an opportunity for France's Mbappe to contend for the Golden Boot against Argentina's Messi and for both nations to end the tournament on a high note. England, despite having key offensive players Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench for the start of the match, demonstrated sufficient offensive power throughout the game.