The Records Broken in England’s 6-4 World Cup Bronze Medal Win Over France

Several FIFA World Cup records were broken as England defeated France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place match to claim the bronze medal at the 2026 tournament.

The 10-goal contest became the highest-scoring third-place match in FIFA World Cup history, surpassing France’s 6-3 victory over West Germany in 1958.

England made a dream start, taking a 4-0 lead before half-time through Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and two goals from Bukayo Saka. France fought back after the break with goals from Kylian Mbappé and Bradley Barcola to cut the deficit to 4-3.

Mbappé then made history by scoring his second goal of the match to become the leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history with 22 goals, moving ahead of Argentina legend Lionel Messi.

The France captain also finished the tournament with 14 goal contributions, setting a new record for the most goal involvements in a single FIFA World Cup.

England restored their two-goal lead when Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute. Ousmane Dembélé scored again for France in stoppage time before Jude Bellingham sealed the victory with England’s sixth goal deep into added time.

Bellingham’s strike was his seventh goal of the tournament, making him the highest-scoring England player in a single FIFA World Cup.

Saka’s hat-trick was another major highlight as he inspired England to their best World Cup finish since winning the title in 1966. It also marked England’s best-ever World Cup finish outside home soil.

While England celebrated a memorable victory and a place on the podium, the match will also be remembered for the remarkable records set by Mbappé, Bellingham and Saka in one of the greatest third-place matches in World Cup history.