England beat France 5-3 in the World Cup 2026 third-place match, with Bukayo Saka scoring a hat-trick. The Arsenal winger's three goals lifted England to a consolation win after their semifinal exit. Saka's performance put him in rare company: he joined Geoff Hurst as the only English players to score a hat-trick in a World Cup match.
Saka's historic hat-trick
Saka's three goals came in a high-scoring affair that saw both teams trade chances. The 25-year-old became just the second Englishman to achieve the feat, matching Hurst's legendary treble in the 1966 final. Saka's hat-trick was the centerpiece of a five-goal England display that overwhelmed a French side that also managed three of their own.
Match details
The match was played as the curtain-closer to the tournament, with both teams looking to finish on a high note after losing their semifinals. England's five goals were the most scored by any team in a third-place match in World Cup history. France's three goals came from open play, but they could not keep pace with England's attack.
Saka's hat-trick was the first by an English player in a World Cup match since Hurst's in 1966. The winger's clinical finishing and movement caused constant problems for the French defense. His third goal sealed the win and sent the England fans in the stadium into celebration.
What the result means
For England, the third-place finish is a step up from their quarterfinal exit in 2022. Saka's individual achievement will be remembered as a highlight of the tournament. For France, the loss ends a disappointing campaign that began with high expectations as defending champions.
Saka's name now sits alongside Hurst's in England's World Cup history books. The hat-trick ensures that the 2026 third-place match will be remembered for more than just a consolation prize.
