Mbappe breaks record, England take World Cup bronze

England signed off their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in spectacular fashion, defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking third-place playoff in Miami on Saturday, with Bukayo Saka scoring a brilliant hat-trick in one of the tournament's most entertaining matches.

Although neither side had hoped to be playing for the bronze medal after painful semifinal defeats, the match produced an attacking spectacle that also reshaped the race for the Golden Boot.

Saka starred with three goals, while Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also found the net as England overwhelmed France to secure their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

France captain Kylian Mbappe, however, kept his own place in the history books. His two goals took his tally to 22 World Cup goals across his career, making him the competition's all-time leading scorer. The brace also moved him to the top of the Golden Boot standings with nine goals, overtaking Argentina captain Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday's final against Spain.

England made a dream start as Rice fired home from long range in the third minute before Konsa doubled the lead with a powerful header. France threatened through Mbappe and Michael Olise, but goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve England's advantage.

The Three Lions seized complete control before the interval. Saka finished off a swift counterattack to make it 3-0 before adding his second in first-half stoppage time, leaving France shell-shocked at the break.

Outgoing France coach Didier Deschamps described his side's opening-half performance as "catastrophic" and responded with four substitutions immediately after the restart. The changes transformed the contest.

Mbappe pulled one back shortly after the restart before substitute Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further as France mounted a spirited comeback. Mbappe then struck again from an Olise pass, becoming the World Cup's all-time leading scorer and giving France renewed belief.

Just as momentum appeared to be shifting, England earned a penalty after Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence inside the area. Saka calmly converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick and restore England's cushion.

France refused to surrender, with Ousmane Dembele scoring a fourth goal late in the game. But Bellingham settled the contest with a superb solo effort, becoming the first England player to score seven goals in a single World Cup campaign as England completed an emphatic 6-4 victory.

The result provided England with a positive finish after their heartbreaking semifinal defeat to defending champions Argentina, while France ended a disappointing tournament despite entering the competition among the favourites.

Attention now turns to Sunday's World Cup final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, where three-time champions Argentina will face European champions Spain in a blockbuster showdown for football's biggest prize.