SAKA HAT-TRICK POWERS ENGLAND TO BEST WORLD CUP FINISH IN 60 YEARS AS THREE LIONS BEAT FRANCE 6-4
“Crazy game… but it’s about giving the country our greatest chance in 60 years” — Bukayo Saka
England produced a 10-goal thriller to defeat France 6-4 and claim third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 — their best finish at the tournament in 60 years.
Under Thomas Tuchel, the Three Lions exploded out of the blocks and never let go, despite a wild French comeback.
Declan Rice curled home after just 3 minutes, before Ezri Konsa headed in from a Rice corner in the 18th to make it 2-0.
Bukayo Saka got in on the act in the 37th on the break, then struck again right on halftime after a through ball from Eberechi Eze. 4-0 at the break.
France roared back after the restart. Michael Olise provided two assists in three minutes — first for Kylian Mbappe, then for Bradley Barcola — before combining with Mbappe again for the PSG star to complete his brace. 4-3.
England steadied. Saka converted an 84th-minute penalty after a foul on Rogers to make it 5-3 and seal his hat-trick. Ousmane Dembele pulled one back for France in the 96th, but Jude Bellingham killed the game in the 98th to make it 6-4.
The match became the highest-scoring third-place playoff in World Cup history.
Records tumble
- Michael Olise made history with 7 assists in a single World Cup — a new tournament record.
- Kylian Mbappe scored twice to reach 22 World Cup goals and become the competition’s all-time top scorer.
- Bukayo Saka was named Player of the Match.
What they said
Bukayo Saka:
“Crazy crazy game, still disappointed to not be in the final, but it’s about giving the country our greatest chance in 60 years. First half won it for us. Jude was never taking the penalty — he was the first to say ‘go get the HAT TRICK’. He held the ball so France didn’t distract it.”
Kylian Mbappe:
“I can understand why some might feel that, in the first half, we were being complacent or disrespecting the shirt. Personally, I would say we were simply being human — and unfortunately, we cannot afford to be human. I think we were completely switched off, and they certainly gave us a wake-up call.”
“To be honest, I would have preferred to not be top scorer and be in the World Cup final today.”
“Leo Messi will score tomorrow. He always scores.”
Thomas Tuchel:
“Great first half, turbulent second half — enough for four matches what happened here. Massive respect for the mentality we showed. I was afraid of the physical demand but this team created something special. We want to close the gap, we did it — and now next is Spain in the Nations League.”
Didier Deschamps in his final game as France boss added: “There is nothing more beautiful in a footballer’s life than the France national team jersey; I wore it for 25 years.”
England finish third — their best World Cup result since 1966
