Beirut: England secured third place at the 2026 World Cup with a spectacular, high-scoring 6-4 victory over France in Miami late Saturday night, achieving their best finish in the tournament since winning their only title in 1966.
According to National news agency - Lebanon, both teams fielded reserve lineups following their semi-final exits. England took a commanding first-half lead with goals from Declan Rice (3'), Ezri Konsa (18'), and Bukayo Saka (37', 45+1'). France attempted a comeback with goals from Kylian Mbapp© (48', 66') and Bradley Barcola (54'), but Saka extended England's lead with a penalty (87'). Ousmane Demb©l© scored late (90+6') for France, but Jude Bellingham sealed England's victory (90+8').
Despite the loss, Mbapp©, with his tenth goal of the current tournament, broke the record for the most goals scored in World Cup history (22), surpassing veteran Argentine Lionel Messi (21), who has 8 goals and is set to play the final tonight against Spain in New Jersey.
This match is notable for being the first World Cup game to see 10 or more goals since 1982, when Hungary defeated El Salvador 10-1; the all-time record stands at 12 goals.