World Cup 2026: Saka hat-trick fires England past France in 10-goal thriller as Three Lions claim bronze

England secured the bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place play-off on Saturday night.

The Three Lions produced a sensational first-half performance to race into a four-goal lead before France mounted a dramatic second-half comeback inspired by captain Kylian Mbappe.

But England resisted the late pressure, with Bukayo Saka completing a hat-trick and Jude Bellingham scoring in stoppage time to seal one of the highest-scoring matches in World Cup history.

Hat-trick secured for Bukayo Saka! 🎩#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/xrnPdte3bx

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 18, 2026

Rice and Saka put England in complete control

England started the match with intensity and took the lead just three minutes after kick-off.

Declan Rice opened the scoring with a stunning long-range strike, sending the ball into the bottom-right corner beyond the reach of France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

France struggled to respond as England continued to dominate possession and create chances. Saka briefly thought he had doubled the advantage in the 12th minute, but the goal was ruled out for offside.

The second goal eventually arrived in the 18th minute when Ezri Konsa rose highest from Rice’s corner kick and headed the ball into the bottom corner.

Despite moments of attacking threat from Mbappe, France could not contain England’s forward movement.

England added a third goal in the 37th minute after Marcus Rashford set up Saka, who calmly finished inside the penalty area.

The Arsenal forward struck again just before half-time, controlling Eberechi Eze’s pass before firing an unstoppable effort into the bottom-right corner to give England a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

Mbappe leads France’s remarkable second-half response

France returned from the interval determined to fight back and quickly changed the direction of the contest.

Mbappe reduced the deficit three minutes after the restart, using Michael Olise’s excellent through ball to beat the goalkeeper with a composed close-range finish.

The France captain then turned provider in the 54th minute, creating the opportunity for Bradley Barcola, who produced a brilliant finish to make it 4-2.

France continued to push forward, and their pressure was rewarded again in the 66th minute when Olise played a key role in the build-up before Mbappe fired home his second goal of the night.

A brace for Mbappe 🇫🇷#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/YqcTRQ4yFA

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 18, 2026

With the score at 4-3, France looked capable of completing one of the greatest comebacks in World Cup history.

Late drama seals England’s bronze medal

England regained control of the match late on after being awarded a penalty in the 85th minute.

Referee Jesus Valenzuela pointed to the spot after Malo Gusto’s strong challenge brought down an England player, despite protests from the French side.

Saka stepped up and confidently converted the penalty in the 87th minute, completing his hat-trick and giving England some breathing space.

France continued attacking and Ousmane Dembele gave them fresh hope in the sixth minute of stoppage time, scoring to make it 5-4.

However, England delivered the final blow moments later when Jude Bellingham produced a brilliant individual run before firing into the bottom corner to complete a 6-4 victory.

England are #FIFAWorldCup Bronze Final winners 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 18, 2026

African connection as global stars shine on biggest stage

The dramatic encounter attracted huge interest across Africa, with fans following some of the continent’s most celebrated football talents and players of African heritage competing at the highest level.

Mbappe once again demonstrated his world-class quality for France, while Saka’s outstanding performance helped England secure a memorable finish to their World Cup campaign.

The result means England leave the 2026 tournament with the bronze medal, while France must settle for fourth place after a remarkable contest filled with attacking brilliance, individual quality and unforgettable moments.