Bukayo Saka was absolutely sensational as England secured a memorable third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, beating France 6-4 in one of the most entertaining matches of the entire tournament. The Arsenal winger ran the show from start to finish, hitting a stunning hat-trick to send England home with bronze medals and enormous pride.
England versus France in the third-place play-off was billed as a contest between two of world football's heavyweights, and it lived up to every word of that billing. Goals flew in from both sides in a breathless match that swung back and forth, but in the end it was Saka who proved the difference — producing a display that will be replayed for years to come.
Saka's Masterclass
Saka scored his first in the 18th minute, a precise low drive into the bottom corner after cutting in from the right. His second came just before half-time — a sweeping team move finished with his trademark composure. And his hat-trick goal in the second half, a curling effort into the top corner, brought the England fans inside the stadium to their feet.
At just 24, Saka is now firmly established as one of England's all-time great World Cup performers. His performances throughout this tournament have been nothing short of outstanding, and his hat-trick in the third-place match was the perfect way to end it.
France Made It a Contest
France were not simply beaten without a fight. Les Bleus scored four goals of their own and threatened to turn the match on its head at several points. But England's attacking quality — not just from Saka but from the entire forward line — proved too much for France to contain for 90 minutes.
The 6-4 scoreline tells its own story: two outstanding teams, both capable of scoring at will, but England just that little bit better on the day when it mattered.
England Go Home With Bronze
Third place at a World Cup is not what England dreamed of when the tournament began. But given the talent they faced along the way and the manner in which they played, England's supporters can hold their heads very high. Saka, Bellingham, and the rest gave everything — and today, against France, they signed off in style.
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