Saka hat-trick powers England past France in 10-goal third-place match

England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 6-4 win over France, led by a Bukayo Saka hat-trick. The match at Hard Rock Stadium turned into a chaotic attacking contest after England built a big first-half lead and France nearly fought back.

Declan Rice set the tone early, scoring in the third minute and then supplying the corner from which Ezri Konsa headed England into a 2-0 lead. Saka then took over before half-time, finishing two England attacks to make the gap four goals at the break.

France responded strongly after Didier Deschamps made four half-time changes in what the source described as his final match in charge. Kylian Mbappé scored twice and set up Bradley Barcola, pulling France back into the game before Saka converted a late penalty won by Djed Spence.

Ousmane Dembélé’s stoppage-time goal kept the drama alive, but Jude Bellingham came off the bench to score England’s sixth and end the comeback threat. For England, the result offers a lively closing note to the tournament; for France, the second-half surge showed resilience but could not erase a damaging opening 45 minutes.