England secured third place at the 2026 World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a dramatic third-place playoff, while Kylian Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer despite ending on the losing side.
Both teams entered the match after disappointing semi-final defeats. France were beaten 2-0 by Spain, while England suffered a late collapse against defending champions Argentina.
With temperatures soaring in Miami, both coaches rotated their squads. England manager Thomas Tuchel left Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench, while France coach Didier Deschamps, who is ending his 14-year tenure after the tournament, also rested several key players.
England race into commanding first-half lead
England made a flying start as Declan Rice scored from long range in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead with a header.
Although Mbappe and Michael Olise created several dangerous opportunities, England’s second-choice goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced a series of important saves to keep France at bay.
Bukayo Saka then struck twice before half-time, first finishing a swift counterattack before adding another in stoppage time to give England a commanding 4-0 advantage.
Deschamps described his team’s first-half performance as “catastrophic” and responded by introducing Ousmane Dembele, Dayot Upamecano, Lucas Digne and Bradley Barcola after the break.
Mbappe breaks World Cup scoring record
France immediately improved after the changes. Mbappe scored his ninth goal of the tournament before Barcola reduced the deficit further.
Mbappe then struck again from an Olise assist to register his 22nd World Cup goal, surpassing Lionel Messi to become the competition’s all-time leading scorer. The Real Madrid forward also moved two goals clear of Messi in the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot with 10 goals.
Despite creating several chances to draw level, France were dealt another setback when Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence in the penalty area. Saka converted the penalty to complete his hat-trick and restore England’s cushion.
Dembele pulled another goal back for France before Bellingham capped the scoring with a superb individual effort, becoming the first England player to score seven World Cup goals.
Mbappe focused on team success despite milestone
England’s third-place finish marked their best World Cup result since winning the title in 1966, although their semi-final defeat to Argentina remained a painful disappointment.
Mbappe acknowledged his historic achievement but admitted it offered little consolation following France’s failure to reach the final.
“Messi is going to score, that’s for sure. I’m just trying to help my team win. When you score a lot of goals at the World Cup, it puts you in a certain category,” he said.
“I would have preferred not to be the all-time top scorer and to be playing tomorrow’s match. It’s good in terms of legacy, but today it’s not the first thing on my mind.”
Mbappe also defended Deschamps following France’s disappointing finish, saying the defeats would not diminish the coach’s achievements.
“This match will not tarnish the legend of Didier Deschamps,” France’s captain said.
