Saka Hat-Trick Fires England Past France to Claim World Cup Bronze

Author: Gist Correspondent

England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after edging France 6-4 in a thrilling bronze medal match that produced one of the tournament\'s most dramatic contests.

Bukayo Saka was the star of the encounter, scoring a hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham capped a superb individual display with a late goal as the Three Lions survived a spirited second-half comeback from Kylian Mbappe and the French side.

Thomas Tuchel\'s men dominated the opening half, taking control through Declan Rice\'s long-range strike before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage. Saka then struck twice in quick succession to send England into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead after an earlier effort had been ruled out for offside.

France responded with renewed determination after the restart. Mbappe pulled one back before setting up Bradley Barcola to reduce the deficit further. The Real Madrid forward then scored again to make it 4-3, putting England under intense pressure.

With momentum swinging in France\'s favour, England regained control when Saka converted a penalty after Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence. Although Ousmane Dembele scored again for France, Bellingham produced a brilliant solo effort late in the game to seal a memorable 6-4 victory for England.

The result gave England their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament on home soil in 1966 and also marked the end of Didier Deschamps\' successful tenure as France\'s head coach.