In an exciting bronze medal match in Miami, England defeated Les Bleus 6-4 to secure a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff victory after a stunning comeback by France.
France launched an incredible comeback after halftime, despite the Three Lions’ outstanding first-half performance, which saw them score four goals and look certain to win.
Often considered the game that “nobody wants to play,” it offered England a chance to bounce back from their heartbreaking semifinal loss to Argentina in Atlanta, and they responded forcefully.
Three minutes into the match, Declan Rice opened the score with a strong long-range goal. In the eighteenth minute, Ezri Konsa headed home from Rice’s corner to double England’s lead.
Then, in the last eight minutes of the first half, Bukayo Saka scored twice to give England a commanding 4-0 lead at the half.
Inspired by departing manager Didier Deschamps in his final game after 14 years in charge, France, however, came back from the break with newfound vigor.
Kylian Mbappe strengthened his competition with Lionel Messi for the World Cup Golden Boot by scoring for France to start the comeback. Before the hour mark, Bradley Barcola further cut the deficit, making it 4-2.
Mbappe became the highest-scoring player in World Cup history with another goal in the 67th minute, putting France within striking distance of an incredible comeback.
But England finally restrained the comeback attempt when Saka converted a late penalty to complete his hat-trick and secure victory for the Three Lions.
Ousmane Dembele added another goal as France continued to advance, raising hopes of a spectacular comeback and making the score 5-4.
But with a late victory, Jude Bellingham ultimately led England in goals.
After charging down the field and dancing past two Frenchmen, Bellingham threw out three dummies and slotted home to give England their sixth goal of the tournament and his seventh.
