Many expected a low-key consolation match, but England and France produced a breathtaking third-place playoff that will be remembered for years to come. Despite the disappointment of missing out on the World Cup final, the two European heavyweights delivered a remarkable spectacle, with England eventually prevailing 6-4 to secure third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Thomas Tuchel’s side dominated the opening 45 minutes, punishing France with ruthless efficiency. Exploiting the vast spaces in the French defense and converting nearly every clear opportunity, England stormed into a stunning 4-0 halftime lead.
France mounted a spirited comeback after the break, scoring three goals early in the second half to threaten an unlikely recovery. However, Bukayo Saka’s composed penalty in the 86th minute restored England’s two-goal cushion and appeared to settle the contest.
There was still more drama to come. Both teams found the net once again in stoppage time, completing an extraordinary 10-goal encounter as England sealed a memorable 6-4 victory. The third-place finish marks the second-best World Cup result in England’s history, surpassed only by their triumph on home soil in 1966.
England Dominate Early
England made the most of their rotated lineup, capitalizing on France’s defensive mistakes to storm into a 4-0 halftime lead. Declan Rice and Ezri Konsa struck early before Bukayo Saka scored twice to cap a ruthless first-half display.
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France Rally, But England Hold On
Four halftime substitutions sparked France into life, with Kylian Mbappé scoring twice and assisting Bradley Barcola as the deficit was cut to 4-3. However, Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot before Jude Bellingham sealed a dramatic 6-4 victory after Ousmane Dembélé’s late goal.
