In the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff at Miami Stadium in Miami Gardens on July 18, 2026, England defeated France 6-4 to claim the bronze medal.
The high-scoring encounter featured a dominant first-half display by the English and a spirited French comeback led by captain Kylian Mbappé of France. This result marks England’s best World Cup finish since their 1966 title win.
England’s Declan Rice of England opened the scoring in the 3rd minute with a long-range strike after a French turnover. Ezri Konsa of England headed home from a Declan Rice corner in the 18th minute. Bukayo Saka of England added goals in the 37th and 45+1st minutes to make it 4-0 at halftime. France responded strongly after the break: Kylian Mbappé of France scored in the 48th minute assisted by Michael Olise and the 66th minute, Bradley Barcola netted in the 54th minute (assisted by Mbappé), and Ousmane Dembélé of France pulled one back in the 90+6th minute. Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, and Jude Bellingham of England sealed the win in the 90+8th minute.
England controlled the first half before weathering a French second-half surge.
England finished the tournament with strong knockout performances, securing bronze after their semifinal loss. France, also defeated in the semifinals, ended with notable individual contributions from Mbappé, who led the Golden Boot race. The match set records for goals in a third-place playoff.
England’s next match is a friendly against Spain on September 5, 2026.