World Cup hosts England secured third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after defeating France 6-4 in a remarkable play-off on Saturday, while Kylian Mbappe became the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.

Both teams entered the match after disappointing semi-final defeats. Spain eliminated France, while Argentina edged England in a dramatic encounter.

England manager Thomas Tuchel rested several key players, including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, while France coach Didier Deschamps, who will leave his role after the tournament, also made several changes to his starting line-up.

England made a flying start as Declan Rice scored from long range in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead with a header.

France created chances through Mbappe and Michael Olise, but England goalkeeper Dean Henderson produced several important saves.

Bukayo Saka extended England’s advantage with a clinical finish following a swift counterattack before scoring again in first-half stoppage time to give his side a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.

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Deschamps described France’s first-half display as “catastrophic” and responded by introducing Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne.

The changes quickly revived France.

Mbappe scored early in the second half to register his ninth goal of the tournament and move ahead of Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot.

Barcola then reduced the deficit before Mbappe struck again from an Olise assist.

His second goal took his career World Cup tally to 22 goals, making him the competition’s all-time leading scorer.

England restored their cushion after Malo Gusto fouled Djed Spence inside the penalty area.

Saka converted the penalty to complete his hat-trick and put England firmly back in control.

Dembele added France’s fourth goal late in the match, but Bellingham capped the scoring with a superb solo effort.

The goal also made Bellingham the first England player to score seven goals in a single World Cup tournament.

England’s third-place finish marked their best World Cup performance since lifting the trophy in 1966, although the team will reflect on its narrow semi-final defeat to defending champions Argentina.

France, who won the World Cup in 2018 and finished runners-up in 2022, fell short of expectations after entering the tournament among the favourites.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup final will see Argentina face Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday.