England’s Bukayo Saka Scores Hat Trick in Win Over France for 3rd Place Finish at 2026 World Cup

NEED TO KNOW

• England defeated France, 6-4, in the third place playoff match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Florida on July 18
• Bukayo Saka scored three goals to complete a hat trick
• Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also scored goals

England has taken third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup!

On Saturday, July 18, the team took down France, 6-4, in the third place playoff match at Miami Stadium in Florida.

England’s Bukayo Saka scored three goals to complete a hat trick, while his teammates Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Jude Bellingham also scored goals throughout the game.

France’s four goals came courtesy of two from Kylian Mbappé and one each from Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembélé.

England’s win Saturday comes on the heels of the team’s 2-1 loss to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals on Wednesday, July 15. After 45 scoreless minutes, England seized a 1-0 lead, courtesy of World Cup newcomer Anthony Gordon. Argentina, led by superstar Lionel Messi, struck back with goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez for the win.

This victory is extra sweet for England as France knocked them out of the World Cup quarterfinals in 2022.

It’s been an impressive run for England’s captain, Harry Kane, and Bellingham, who both entered Saturday’s contest with six World Cup goals each. Bellingham closes out the World Cup with seven goals.

Despite the impressive stats, coming up short in the tournament has left an “empty feeling” in Kane’s stomach. “We were close, really close to another final but it wasn’t enough. We’ve given everything over these last 7 weeks and to fall short is hard to take!” he posted on Instagram on Thursday, July 16.

“I know the expectations are high and rightly so, we’ve been knocking on the door for 8 years now but again are missing that final piece of the jigsaw! That’s where we have to go away, process it and find a way to get better. I’m so proud of the boys and what we have shown throughout this tournament - some tough games and tough environments that we have overcome,” he continued.

England has had the support of some very famous fans, including Harry Styles, David Beckham and Prince William.

“Gutted. England, you gave it everything and we are all so proud of you,” the Prince of Wales wrote on X following the team’s loss to Argentina on Wednesday.

In 17 total World Cup appearances, England has only won once, with the country defeating West Germany 4-2 in the 1966 final.

Argentina and Spain will square off for the trophy in the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19.

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