Saka Scores Hat-trick As England Edge Out France In 10-Goal Thriller, Clinch First-Ever World Cup Bronze

A hat-trick from Bukayo Saka helped England edge out France 6-4, in a thrilling FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off on Saturday.

The win means England clinched their first-ever bronze medal at a FIFA World Cup, having finished fourth in 1990 and 2018.

France captain Kylian scored twice which took his tally in this year’s edition to 10 goals, and makes him the all-time World Cup top scorer with 22 goals.

It was a game of two halves as England went into the break 4-0 up before France netted three goals to bring the scores to 4-3 and missed a couple opportunities to draw level.

Declan Rice, who wore the captain’s armband put England 1-0 up just three minutes into the match and in the 18th minute Ezra Konsa doubled the lead.

In the 37th minute Saka got the third goal and one minute into first half added time, the Arsenal star made it 4-0.

Three minutes into the second half Mbappe pulled a goal back for France and Bradley Barcola scored to make it 4-2.

Mbappe for on the score sheet again on 66 minutes to make it 4-3 but Saka converted from the penalty spot to extend England’s lead to 5-3 and complete his hat-trick.

The scoring continues as Ousmane Dembele scored on 96th minute to make it 5-4 before Jude Bellingham sealed the win for England by grabbing the sixth goal on 98 minutes.

James Agberebi

James is a sport content creator and also does analysis on sports. Also, James has covered international matches involving both Nigeria’s men and women national teams. Facebook : James Agberebi