France 4-6 England, FIFA World Cup 2026 Third-Place Match Highlights:
England edged a sensational 10-goal thriller against France, beating Les Bleus 6-4 to clinch third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after surviving another dramatic second-half scare.
The Three Lions looked to have wrapped up the contest before halftime, racing into a commanding 4-0 lead through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a brilliant first-half brace from Bukayo Saka. It marked the first time France had conceded four goals in the opening half of a World Cup match, leaving Didier Deschamps facing a miserable farewell in his final game as national team coach.
France, however, refused to fold. Kylian Mbappe sparked the comeback shortly after the restart before Bradley Barcola reduced
the deficit further. Mbappe then struck again in the 66th minute, becoming the outright highest goalscorer in World Cup history while briefly moving ahead of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings as France closed to within one goal.
England finally settled their nerves in the closing stages when Malo Gusto conceded a penalty by fouling Djed Spence. Saka calmly converted to complete his World Cup hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion. Ousmane Dembele grabbed another for France deep into stoppage time, but Jude Bellingham raced through to score with virtually the final kick, sealing England’s memorable 6-4 victory and the bronze medal.
