Saka’s hat-trick powers Tuchel’s side past Mbappé-inspired France in a dramatic 10-goal playoff clash in Miami.

England sealed third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in spectacular fashion, outlasting France 6-4 in a breathtaking, end-to-end encounter at Miami Stadium.

Bukayo Saka delivered a career-defining performance, firing a superb hat-trick as England stormed into a commanding 4-0 lead before halftime. Declan Rice opened the scoring, Ezri Konsa added a second, and Saka struck twice to put Thomas Tuchel’s side firmly in control.

France, however, responded with intensity after the break. Kylian Mbappé led the charge with two clinical finishes, while Bradley Barcola added another to spark hopes of an unlikely comeback and cut England’s advantage.

Despite the late surge, England held their composure in a chaotic finale. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot, and Jude Bellingham capped the performance with a stoppage-time goal to seal the victory.

The win hands England the bronze medal—its strongest World Cup finish since the nation’s historic triumph in 1966—while France exits with pride after a spirited fightback. Mbappé’s brace also strengthens his position in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot.

Already, the match is being celebrated as one of the most entertaining third-place playoffs in World Cup history, defined by relentless attacking football and dramatic momentum swings.