England claimed third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 6-4 victory over France in a remarkable match at Miami Stadium, Miami Gardens on Sunday, 19 July 2026. The game, refereed by Jesus Valenzuela, produced ten goals across ninety-plus minutes, with England establishing an overwhelming first-half lead before France staged a second-half comeback that ultimately came too late.
England Dominate the First Half
England were on the scoresheet within three minutes. Declan Rice opened the account with a right-footed effort to make it 0-1, setting the tone for a dominant opening period. France attempted to respond through Kylian Mbappé, whose right-footed shot from outside the box was blocked, and Rayan Cherki, whose left-footed attempt from range was held by Dean Henderson in the bottom right corner.
England doubled their lead in the 18th minute when Ezri Konsa headed home from the centre of the box into the bottom right corner, converting a cross from Declan Rice following a corner. The goal had been preceded by a blocked attempt from Bukayo Saka, assisted by Eberechi Eze.
France continued to press, with Mbappé firing wide from outside the box — assisted by Michael Olise — and Dean Henderson saving a second attempt from the France captain. However, England's third arrived on 37 minutes. Bukayo Saka finished with a left-footed shot from the left side of the box after a quick counterattack to make it 3-0. The same move had produced a saved effort from Marcus Rashford moments before.
Deep into first-half added time, Saka struck again. His left-footed shot from the centre of the box in the 45+1 minute put England 4-0 ahead at the break. France had offered little to suggest they could contain England's attacking intent, and Mike Maignan in the France goal had been busy throughout.
France Fight Back Through Mbappé and Barcola
France made four substitutions at half-time, bringing on Ousmane Dembélé, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne, and Bradley Barcola. England introduced Ollie Watkins for Marcus Rashford.
The second half began with immediate impact for France. Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box after a fast break in the 48th minute to make it 1-4. France pushed again and in the 54th minute, Bradley Barcola scored with a right-footed finish into the bottom left corner, assisted by an Mbappé through ball, bringing the score to 2-4.
England came close to extending their lead through Watkins and a blocked attempt from Eberechi Eze, but France continued their momentum. On 66 minutes, Mbappé completed his personal hat-trick with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box to make it 3-4. France now had genuine belief, and Dean Henderson was required to save efforts from Ousmane Dembélé and Dayot Upamecano to keep England ahead.
Saka Penalty Seals It — Dembélé Scores Late
England made changes in the 79th minute, introducing Jude Bellingham for Eberechi Eze and Elliot Anderson for Ivan Toney. Bellingham forced a save from Mike Maignan from close range, assisted by Ollie Watkins.
A brief delay occurred around the 81st and 82nd minutes due to an injury to Jarell Quansah, who was subsequently replaced by Reece James in the 83rd minute.
The decisive moment came in the 85th minute. Djed Spence was fouled in the penalty area by Malo Gusto, and a penalty was awarded to England. Bukayo Saka stepped up and converted with a left-footed shot to make it 3-5, completing his hat-trick and appearing to end France's comeback hopes.
Late in added time, France pulled one back. Ousmane Dembélé scored with a left-footed shot from the centre of the box in the 90+6 minute to make it 4-5. However, there was no time for France to find a sixth, and the match ended with England winning 6-4.
France's Malo Gusto was replaced in the 90+1 minute by Jules Koundé due to an injury, while England made a final change in the 90+3 minute, sending on Trevoh Chalobah for Marc Guéhi. A further delay in the 90+4 minute was caused by an injury to England's Djed Spence.
The final scoreline of France 4-6 England confirmed England's third-place finish at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Bukayo Saka's three goals and Mbappé's hat-trick providing the individual highlights of a match that will be remembered for its relentless goalscoring across both halves.
