By Frank Ulom
England claimed the bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a breathtaking third-place playoff, setting a new record for the highest-scoring bronze-medal match in the tournament’s history.
Despite England manager Thomas Tuchel describing the fixture earlier in the week as one “nobody wants to play in”, both sides produced a thrilling encounter that delivered 10 goals, dramatic momentum swings and several individual records.
The Three Lions made a dream start as Declan Rice capitalised on a poor pass from Désiré Doué to curl a powerful effort from 25 yards beyond France goalkeeper Mike Maignan in the opening minutes. The early strike provided the perfect response for an England side eager to bounce back from its painful semi-final defeat to Argentina.
England doubled their advantage in the 20th minute when Rice’s inswinging corner found Ezri Konsa, who rose highest to head past Maignan and make it 2-0.
Tuchel’s side continued to dominate proceedings in the first half. A rapid counterattack exposed France after Maignan ventured off his line, allowing Bukayo Saka to finish emphatically for England’s third goal.
Saka struck again before the interval after Eberechi Eze threaded a perfectly weighted pass into his path. The Arsenal winger outpaced his marker and calmly finished to hand England a commanding 4-0 lead heading into the break.
France, however, mounted a remarkable second-half comeback.
Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit shortly after the restart by finishing off a swift counterattack, before Bradley Barcola added a second to revive French hopes.
Michael Olise then provided a superb assist for Mbappé to score again and cut England’s lead to 4-3, leaving the Three Lions under intense pressure.
Mbappé’s brace saw him reach 22 career World Cup goals, moving him ahead of Lionel Messi as the competition’s all-time leading scorer. The France captain also took his tally for the tournament to 10 goals, strengthening his position in the race for the Golden Boot.
Olise’s assist was his seventh of the World Cup, surpassing Pelé’s long-standing record for the most assists in a single tournament. However, the winger was unable to complete France’s comeback after missing two clear chances that could have levelled the contest.
England regained breathing space in the 87th minute when Malo Gusto brought down Djed Spence inside the penalty area. Saka stepped up and converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion at 5-3.
France refused to surrender, with Ousmane Dembélé capitalising on defensive lapses to pull another goal back and make it 5-4 in the closing stages.
Any hopes of a dramatic equaliser were ended by substitute Jude Bellingham, who produced a moment of brilliance by dribbling past three defenders before beating Maignan to score England’s sixth goal and seal an unforgettable victory.
Bellingham’s strike was his seventh goal of the tournament, setting a new England World Cup scoring record and helping the Three Lions secure their best finish at the tournament since lifting the trophy in 1966.
For England, the victory provided a fitting response to their semi-final disappointment, while France were left to reflect on a spirited comeback that ultimately fell just short in one of the most entertaining matches in World Cup history.
Full score below:
3′ | France 0-1 England (Rice)
18′ | France 0-2 England (Konsa)
37′ | France 0-3 England (Saka)
46′ | France 0-4 England (Saka)
48′ | France 1-4 England (Mbappé)
54′ | France 2-4 England (Barcola)
66′ | France 3-4 England (Mbappé)
87′ | France 3-5 England (Saka)
96′ | France 4-5 England (Dembélé)
