Bukayo Saka delivered a masterclass performance on Saturday, scoring a hat-trick as England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a thrilling 6-4 victory over France at Miami Stadium.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick vs France as Three Lions claim bronze in Florida
The Arsenal winger proved unstoppable throughout the bronze medal match, finding the net three times to lead his side to a memorable consolation prize after their semifinal heartbreak.
Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and Jude Bellingham also contributed goals in what became the highest-scoring World Cup playoff match in recent memory.
France fought valiantly, with Kylian Mbappe bagging a brace while Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele added one apiece.
However, England’s attacking firepower proved too much for the French defense on the night.
The victory carries extra significance for the Three Lions, who avenged their quarterfinal elimination at the hands of France during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Saturday’s result followed England’s gut-wrenching 2-1 semifinal loss to Argentina on July 15.
Anthony Gordon had given England an early second-half lead before Lionel Messi inspired an Argentine comeback, with Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez overturning the deficit.
Bellingham closed out the tournament with seven goals, adding to his impressive tally after entering the match level with Harry Kane on six strikes each.
England captain Kane expressed the team’s disappointment following the semifinal defeat but acknowledged the squad‘s effort throughout the tournament.
“We were close, really close to another final but it wasn’t enough,” Kane posted on social media.
“We’ve given everything over these last seven weeks and to fall short is hard to take.”
The English squad received support from prominent figures including Prince William, who wrote following the Argentina loss:
“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you.”
England’s bronze medal finish marks another strong tournament performance, though their only World Cup victory remains the 1966 final against West Germany.
Argentina will face Spain in Sunday’s championship match.
