England claimed third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating France 6–4 in a thrilling third-place play-off on 18 July 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. In a match featuring ten goals, England overcame a spirited French comeback to record their highest World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966. The victory also marked England’s first-ever win in a FIFA World Cup third-place play-off.
England made a sensational start, racing into a four-goal lead before halftime. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the third minute, Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 18th minute, and Bukayo Saka struck twice before the break to give the Three Lions a commanding 4–0 cushion.
France responded strongly after halftime as Kylian Mbappé sparked a comeback with two goals, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé also found the net to reduce the deficit. Despite the pressure, England maintained their composure in the closing stages. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute before Jude Bellingham added a stoppage-time goal to seal an entertaining 6–4 victory.
The result secured the bronze medal for England and capped off an impressive tournament campaign under Thomas Tuchel. France, meanwhile, finished fourth despite producing one of the tournament’s most spirited second-half performances.
Standout Performances
- Bukayo Saka (England): Hat-trick (37′, 45+1′, 87′ pen).
- Jude Bellingham (England): Scored in stoppage time to seal the victory.
- Kylian Mbappé (France): Netted twice during France’s second-half comeback.
- Declan Rice & Ezri Konsa (England): Both scored in England’s dominant first half.
England’s blistering first-half display proved decisive. Although France cut the deficit with four second-half goals, Saka’s late penalty restored England’s two-goal cushion before Bellingham’s stoppage-time strike secured the bronze medal.
Match Statistics
- Tournament: FIFA World Cup 2026
- Round: Third-place Play-off
- Date: 18 July 2026
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Final Score: France 4–6 England
- Half-time: France 0–4 England
- England Goals: Declan Rice (3′), Ezri Konsa (18′), Bukayo Saka (37′, 45+1′, 87′ pen), Jude Bellingham (90+8′)
- France Goals: Kylian Mbappé (48′, 66′), Bradley Barcola (54′), Ousmane Dembélé (90+6′)
- Result: England finished third at the FIFA World Cup 2026.