NEW DELHI: The FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff between England and France entered the record books on Saturday as the teams produced a thrilling 10-goal contest.It was the first World Cup match in 64 years in which both teams scored four or more goals, since the Soviet Union and Colombia played out a 4-4 draw in 1962. It was also the highest-scoring World Cup match since Hungary’s 10-1 win over El Salvador in 1982, while the 10 goals were the most ever scored in a World Cup third-place playoff.England eventually beat France 6-4 to claim the bronze medal.
Saka stars as England take control
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick to inspire England’s victory. He found the net in the 37th minute, first-half stoppage time and from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to register his second international hat-trick.Declan Rice opened the scoring before Ezri Konsa doubled England’s lead, helping the Three Lions race to a 4-0 advantage by half-time.Jude Bellingham added the final goal in the eighth minute of second-half stoppage time, taking his tournament tally to seven goals.The bronze medal is England’s second-best finish at the FIFA World Cup after lifting the trophy in 1966.
Mbappe breaks Messi’s World Cup scoring record
France mounted a strong fightback in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele also getting on the scoresheet.Mbappe’s brace took his career FIFA World Cup tally to 22 goals, moving him past Lionel Messi’s record of 21.The France captain also moved to the top of the Golden Boot standings with 10 goals, two ahead of Messi, who will have one more chance to add to his tally when Argentina face Spain in Sunday’s final.
