England's football team defeated France to claim the bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup, reports infohub.kz.
The third-place match at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens ended 6-4. England scored four unanswered goals in the first half: midfielder Declan Rice (3rd minute), defender Ezri Konsa (18th), and a brace from forward Bukayo Saka (37th, 45+1). After the break, France pulled three goals back with a double from forward Kylian Mbappé (48th, 66th) and a goal from winger Bradley Barcola (54th). Saka then converted a penalty to complete his hat-trick (87th). France reduced the deficit again with a goal from forward Ousmane Dembélé (90+6). Midfielder Jude Bellingham sealed the final score at 90+8.
England has now reached the World Cup podium for the second time in history, having won gold at home in 1966. France missed out on the top three for the first time in 12 years; they won the title in Russia 2018 and silver in Qatar 2022.
Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi's all-time World Cup goal record with 22 goals to Messi's 21. However, Messi still has the final against Spain ahead. In the tournament's scoring chart, Mbappé leads with 10 goals, while Messi has eight.
Michael Olise provided two assists for Mbappé in the match against England. The French winger finished the tournament with seven assists, surpassing Pelé's record of six assists in a single World Cup. Didier Deschamps set a new personal record for most World Cup matches as head coach with 27. He is expected to leave the French national team after the tournament.