England edge France in 10-goal thriller to claim WC third place

England produced a stunning attacking display to defeat France 6-4 in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff, recovering from semi-final heartbreak to secure the bronze medal in a match that turned into one of the tournament's greatest goal-fests.

The match, which kicked off at 3:00 am Bangladesh time on Sunday, looked over by half-time as England stormed into a commanding 4-0 lead.

England needed just three minutes to take control when Declan Rice drove a low shot into the bottom corner after a flowing move through midfield.

France were still trying to recover when England struck again in the 18th minute. Defender Ezri Konsa rose highest to head home from a corner, doubling the advantage and exposing France's early defensive vulnerability.

The pressure continued to build, and Bukayo Saka made it 3-0 in the 37th minute with a composed finish after cutting inside from the right flank. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Saka struck again, finishing another quick England attack in the 45+1st minute to send the Three Lions into the break with an astonishing four-goal cushion.

France finally showed signs of life after the restart.

Captain Kylian Mbappé pulled one back in the 48th minute with a clinical finish, and Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further in the 54th minute after England failed to clear a dangerous cross.

The momentum had completely changed.

When Mbappé scored his second goal in the 66th minute, France suddenly found themselves only one goal away from an unlikely comeback, and England's once-comfortable lead began to look fragile.

England responded just when the match threatened to slip away.

In the 87th minute, Saka completed a magnificent hat-trick by calmly converting a penalty after being brought down inside the area, restoring a two-goal advantage and becoming the first England player to score three goals in a World Cup playoff match.

France refused to surrender and Ousmane Dembélé struck in the 90+6th minute, making it 5-4 and creating a nervy finish.

But England had the final word.

In the 90+8th minute, Jude Bellingham broke clear and finished confidently to seal a remarkable 6-4 victory, ending any remaining French hopes and confirming England's third-place finish.

Saka was the undeniable star of the night, scoring three goals and winning the penalty that effectively settled the contest. Bellingham also impressed throughout, while Rice and Konsa helped establish the early dominance that gave England the platform for victory.

For France, the defeat completed a disappointing end to a campaign that had promised much more. Despite scoring four times and threatening an extraordinary comeback, their disastrous first-half defending proved impossible to overcome.

England leave the tournament with bronze medals and renewed optimism for the future. 

For France, the defeat completed a disappointing end to a campaign that had promised much more. Their spirited fightback from 4-0 down was ultimately not enough to undo a disastrous first half.