England wrapped up their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in memorable fashion, defeating France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place playoff that produced several individual and team records.
The victory secured the bronze medal for the Three Lions and marked their best World Cup finish outside England since winning the tournament in 1966. The 10-goal contest also became the highest-scoring third-place playoff in FIFA World Cup history.
Bukayo Saka starred with a hat-trick, while Jude Bellingham capped the night with a stoppage-time goal that etched his name into England’s World Cup record books.
Jude Bellingham becomes England’s highest scorer in a single World Cup
Bellingham scored England’s sixth goal deep into added time, taking his tournament tally to seven goals.
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According to ESPN, the Real Madrid midfielder is now the highest-scoring England player in a single FIFA World Cup edition, surpassing every previous Three Lions player in the competition.
What a way to finish. 🤯⚽
— Football-e (@Footballe) July 19, 2026
Jude Bellingham scores a spectacular final goal against France to wrap up a brilliant individual tournament. Class is permanent.#Bellingham#FRAENG pic.twitter.com/WD8Q1CgGVy
His goal completed a remarkable tournament and helped England finish with another convincing attacking display.
Bukayo Saka creates multiple World Cup milestones
Saka produced one of the standout performances of the tournament by scoring his first World Cup hat-trick.
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The Arsenal winger became only the second England player to score a hat-trick in a FIFA World Cup knockout match after Sir Geoff Hurst, who achieved the feat in the 1966 final.
Bukayo Saka vs France.
— tyga (@tygaAfc) July 19, 2026
The runs he was making behind the players were nuts. I wish he had started the game against Argentina, it could have been a completely different game for England.
He showed today that he is England’s best player and the best RW in the world right now.…
He also joined Brazil legend Pele as only the second footballer to score a World Cup hat-trick against France. Along with his individual milestones, Saka’s goals included the 300th goal scored during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
More records fall in Miami
The match produced several other notable achievements. According to Opta Analytics, Michael Olise became the first player since 1966 to register seven assists in a single FIFA World Cup edition despite France finishing fourth.
Bukayo Saka vs France.
— tyga (@tygaAfc) July 19, 2026
The runs he was making behind the players were nuts. I wish he had started the game against Argentina, it could have been a completely different game for England.
He showed today that he is England’s best player and the best RW in the world right now.…
The game also ended Jordan Pickford’s run of 33 consecutive starts for England at major tournaments. Opta Analytics noted that it was England’s first FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship match without Pickford in the starting lineup since the UEFA Euro 2016 defeat to Iceland.
England’s dramatic victory over France ensured Thomas Tuchel’s side concluded the tournament with a bronze medal, while Bellingham and Saka finished the campaign after producing two of the most memorable individual performances of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
FAQs
What record did Jude Bellingham set at the FIFA World Cup 2026?
Bellingham finished with seven goals, the most by an England player in a single FIFA World Cup edition.
Why was Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick historic?
Saka became only the second England player to score a World Cup knockout-stage hat-trick after Sir Geoff Hurst and scored the tournament’s 300th goal.
