England midfielder Jude Bellingham etched his name into the history books at the FIFA World Cup 2026, finishing as the country's highest-scoring player in a single World Cup campaign after taking his tally to seven goals during England's thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the third-place play-off.
Bellingham struck deep into stoppage time to cap a memorable performance, surpassing every previous England player for the most goals scored in a single edition of the FIFA World Cup. His historic strike rounded off an extraordinary tournament for the 23-year-old, who emerged as one of England's standout performers.
The match also belonged to Bukayo Saka, whose sensational hat-trick not only inspired England to the bronze medal but also earned him a place in World Cup history. Saka became just the second England player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match after Sir Geoff Hurst, whose famous treble guided England to the 1966 World Cup title.
The Arsenal winger also joined elite company by becoming only the second player to score a World Cup hat-trick against France, following Brazilian icon Pele, who achieved the feat during the 1958 tournament. Adding another milestone to his remarkable evening, Saka's third goal was also the 300th goal scored at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
England's third-place finish marked their second-best performance in World Cup history, surpassed only by their triumph on home soil in 1966, according to Opta Analytics. It also represented England's best World Cup finish outside their home country, highlighting the progress made under head coach Thomas Tuchel.
Despite France falling short in an unforgettable contest, winger Michael Olise enjoyed a landmark tournament of his own. According to Opta Analytics, Olise became the first player since detailed records began in 1966 to register seven assists in a single FIFA World Cup edition, underlining his creative influence throughout France's campaign.
The match also brought an end to goalkeeper Jordan Pickford's remarkable streak of appearances in major tournaments. According to Opta Analytics, it was England's first FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship match without Pickford in the starting lineup since their shock UEFA Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland, ending his record run of 33 consecutive starts in major international competitions.
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England secured third place after defeating France in a breathtaking 10-goal spectacle at Miami Stadium on Saturday (local time), producing one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament. The defeat also marked a disappointing conclusion to Didier Deschamps' illustrious 14-year reign as France manager, with the veteran coach bowing out after his 187th and final game in charge.
The contest will be remembered as one of the highest-scoring third-place play-offs in World Cup history. Saka's stunning hat-trick ultimately proved decisive as England overcame Kylian Mbappe's brilliant brace to finish their campaign on a winning note.
England dominated the opening 45 minutes, racing into a stunning 4-0 halftime lead that left France reeling. Declan Rice opened the scoring just three minutes into the contest before defender Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage in the 18th minute. Saka then took centre stage, scoring twice before the break in the 37th minute and first-half stoppage time, as France conceded four goals in a single half of a World Cup match for the first time.
France emerged with renewed intensity after halftime following tactical adjustments from Deschamps. Mbappe sparked hopes of a comeback with a goal in the 48th minute before Bradley Barcola reduced the deficit further six minutes later. Mbappe struck again in the 66th minute, bringing France within one goal and setting up a tense finish as England struggled to contain the French attack.
The France captain also achieved a historic personal milestone with his second goal of the evening. Mbappe overtook Lionel Messi to become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, taking his overall World Cup tally to 22 goals, one more than Messi's 21.
Just when France appeared poised to complete a remarkable comeback, England regained control. A swift counterattack earned the Three Lions a penalty in the 87th minute, and Saka calmly converted from the spot to complete his hat-trick and restore a two-goal cushion.
The drama continued deep into stoppage time as Ousmane Dembele made it 5-4 in the 90+6th minute, but England had the final word. Two minutes later, Bellingham found the back of the net to seal a pulsating 6-4 victory, wrapping up England's World Cup campaign with a record-breaking performance and a well-deserved bronze medal.
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