England claimed third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after defeating France 6–4 in an action-packed third-place play-off on 18 July 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. In a match featuring ten goals, the Three Lions produced a dominant first-half display before withstanding a spirited French comeback to earn the bronze medal.
England wasted little time taking control of the contest. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage 15 minutes later. Bukayo Saka then took center stage, scoring twice before halftime to give England a commanding 4–0 lead at the interval and put France under immense pressure.
France mounted an impressive response after the restart. Kylian Mbappé scored twice, while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé also found the net to reduce the deficit and set up a tense finish. However, England remained composed under pressure. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute before Jude Bellingham added a stoppage-time goal to seal a memorable 6–4 victory.
The win secured England’s best FIFA World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966 and marked the nation’s first-ever victory in a World Cup third-place play-off. France finished fourth despite producing one of the tournament’s strongest attacking displays in the second half.
Standout Performances
- Bukayo Saka (England): Hat-trick (37′, 45+1′, 87′ pen).
- Declan Rice (England): Opened the scoring in the third minute.
- Ezri Konsa (England): Added England’s second goal.
- Jude Bellingham (England): Scored in stoppage time to seal the win.
- Kylian Mbappé (France): Netted twice during France’s comeback attempt.
England’s explosive first half proved decisive. Although France scored four times after the break, Saka’s late penalty restored England’s advantage before Bellingham’s stoppage-time strike ensured the Three Lions 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 secured third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026.