MIAMI, Florida – England ended its FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on a high note with a breathtaking 6-4 victory over France in one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament, as Bukayo Saka scored a sensational hat-trick to help Thomas Tuchel's side claim third place.

Played before an enthusiastic crowd at Miami Stadium, the third-place playoff quickly evolved into an attacking spectacle, featuring ten goals, dramatic momentum swings and standout performances from some of the world's biggest stars.

For England, it marked a positive ending after the heartbreaking semifinal defeat to Argentina. For France, it was the emotional farewell to Didier Deschamps, who coached Les Bleus for 14 years, leading them to the 2018 World Cup title and another final in 2022.

England storms into a four-goal lead

England wasted little time asserting itself.

Midfielder Declan Rice, wearing the captain's armband, opened the scoring after capitalizing on an early French mistake before defender Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage with a powerful header from a corner kick.

The star of the afternoon, however, was Bukayo Saka.

The Arsenal winger scored twice before halftime, finishing off two flowing attacking moves to send England into the break with a commanding 4-0 lead, leaving France stunned after one of its poorest defensive displays of the tournament.

England's high pressing, quick transitions and relentless pace overwhelmed a French side that struggled to cope with Tuchel's tactical approach during the opening 45 minutes.

Mbappé leads France's comeback

If the first half belonged entirely to England, the second became Kylian Mbappé's stage.

The French captain sparked hopes of an incredible comeback by scoring just minutes after halftime before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit even further.

Mbappé struck again shortly afterward, exchanging passes with Michael Olise before calmly finishing to make it 4-3, turning what seemed a comfortable English victory into another World Cup thriller.

With those two goals, Mbappé reached 10 goals in the tournament, becoming the first male player to score double digits in a single World Cup since Gerd Müller in 1970. The Real Madrid forward also strengthened his position in the race for the Golden Boot, increasing the pressure on Lionel Messi ahead of Sunday's World Cup final against Spain.

France continued attacking relentlessly, with Olise, Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé creating several dangerous opportunities, but England managed to withstand the pressure.

Saka completes his hat-trick

Just when France looked capable of completing an improbable comeback, England regained control.

A foul inside the penalty area allowed Bukayo Saka to convert from the spot, completing the first World Cup hat-trick by an England player in decades and restoring a two-goal cushion.

Substitute Jude Bellingham then added England's sixth goal with a powerful finish after another rapid counterattack, effectively sealing the contest despite France adding one final consolation goal late in the match.

Saka's outstanding performance highlighted his growing status as one of the world's elite attackers and capped one of the finest individual displays of the tournament.

Deschamps' final match

The game also marked the end of an era for French football.

After 14 years in charge, Didier Deschamps officially stepped down as France's head coach. During his tenure, he led the national team to the 2018 FIFA World Cup title, another World Cup final in Qatar four years later, and consistently kept France among international football's elite.

Before kickoff, Mbappé paid tribute to his longtime coach on social media, calling the match "your last dance."

Although the ending was not the one France had hoped for, Deschamps leaves behind one of the most successful managerial careers in international football history.

England finishes with optimism

For Thomas Tuchel, the victory provides some relief following criticism after England's semifinal loss to Argentina.

Despite questions surrounding his tactical decisions earlier in the tournament, England demonstrated its attacking potential with one of the most explosive offensive performances seen at the World Cup.

With young stars such as Saka, Bellingham, Rice, Eberechi Eze and Marcus Rashford, England leaves North America with renewed optimism as preparations begin for UEFA Euro 2028, which will be hosted in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Meanwhile, attention now shifts to Sunday's World Cup final, where Lionel Messi's Argentina will face Spain while Mbappé waits to see whether his Golden Boot tally will be enough to finish as the tournament's leading scorer.