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Rabat  – England defeated France 6-4 in an extraordinary third-place playoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, securing the bronze medal after a record-breaking 10-goal thriller.
The match at Miami Stadium quickly turned into one of the most entertaining games of the tournament. England dominated the first half before France launched a dramatic comeback after the break.
Thomas Tuchel’s side made a stunning start. Declan Rice opened the scoring in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled England’s advantage in the 18th minute.
Bukayo Saka then took control of the match. The Arsenal winger scored in the 37th minute and again in first-half stoppage time, giving England a remarkable 4-0 lead at halftime.
France responded immediately after the break. Kylian Mbappé reduced the deficit in the 48th minute before Bradley Barcola scored six minutes later to make it 4-2.
Mbappé then scored his second goal of the night in the 66th minute, bringing France within one goal of England and completing a remarkable comeback.
With France pushing for an equalizer, England regained control late in the match. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to restore England’s two-goal advantage.
France refused to give up. Ousmane Dembélé scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time to make it 5-4 and set up a dramatic finale.
However, Jude Bellingham ended France’s hopes moments later. The midfielder scored in the 90+8th minute to seal England’s 6-4 victory.
The result secured England’s bronze medal at the 2026 World Cup and produced the highest-scoring third-place playoff in the tournament’s history.
The match also marked the end of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as France head coach. The legendary coach concluded his 187th and final match in charge after a dramatic night in Miami.
For England, the victory provided a memorable end to its World Cup campaign. For France, the defeat closed the Deschamps era in chaotic fashion after one of the most spectacular matches in the tournament’s history.
