England Beat France in a Ten-Goal Thriller to Claim World Cup 2026 Bronze

England have won the bronze medals at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In an incredible third-place play-off, the English side defeated France 6-4.

England produced an almost perfect first half and went into the break with a four-goal advantage. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead. Bukayo Saka then scored twice before half-time, finding the net in the 37th minute and converting a penalty in stoppage time.

However, France came close to completing a remarkable comeback after the break. Kylian Mbappe scored in the 48th minute, while Bradley Barcola soon reduced the deficit to two goals. Mbappe completed his brace in the 66th minute to make the score 4-3.

The two goals were Mbappe’s 21st and 22nd at FIFA World Cups. The French forward set a new tournament record for goals scored, although Lionel Messi still has one match left to play.

Saka completed his hat-trick late in the game, converting another penalty in the 87th minute. Ousmane Dembele brought France back into contention in the sixth minute of stoppage time, but England had the final say. Jude Bellingham broke clear, kept his composure and scored to seal a 6-4 victory. It was the midfielder’s seventh goal at the 2026 World Cup.

Michael Olise was one of the main creators of France’s attacks and provided two assists.

England therefore finished the 2026 World Cup in third place, while the match against France became one of the highest-scoring and most dramatic encounters of the tournament.

France 4-6 England

Goals: Rice, 3 (0-1); Konsa, 18 (0-2); Saka, 37 (0-3); Saka, 45+1, penalty (0-4); Mbappe, 48 (1-4); Barcola, 54 (2-4); Mbappe, 66 (3-4); Saka, 87, penalty (3-5); Dembele, 90+6 (4-5); Bellingham, 90+8 (4-6).