England secured a bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place match. The team built a significant lead in the first half, scoring four goals, but France staged a remarkable comeback after the break, reducing the deficit to one goal before England ultimately claimed victory in stoppage time.
The French team completely transformed the game after halftime, quickly getting back into the contest. Kylian Mbappé initiated the comeback in the 48th minute, following a pass from Michael Olise, and Bradley Barcola scored in the 54th minute to make it 2-4. Mbappé added his second goal in the 66th minute, combining with Ousmane Dembélé and Olise, giving France hope of an incredible turnaround. However, <a href="https://absafricatv.com/bukayo-saka-has-hat-trick-for-england-in-win-vs-france/" title="Bukayo Saka has hat trick for England in win vs. France”>Bukayo Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute after Gusto fouled Spence inside the box.
England withstood France’s late pressure, but Dembélé kept the suspense alive by scoring in the 90th minute after a brilliant run from Dayot Upamecano. The English team finally sealed the win when Jude Bellingham scored in the eighth minute of stoppage time, making the final score 6-4.
England finished third in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while France ended the tournament with a painful defeat, despite a memorable second-half fightback.
