The FIFA World Cup 2026 third place playoff was an unforgettable match filled with goals and historic records.
England triumphed in a high-scoring 6-4 victory over France that delivered excitement and several record-breaking moments. Kylian Mbappe etched his name in history by scoring twice, taking his overall World Cup goal tally to 22 and surpassing Lionel Messi's previous record of 21. The match set a new benchmark for goals scored in a third place playoff, with ten goals marking the highest since 1982. England’s outstanding performance made this one of the most memorable third place finishes ever.
Kylian Mbappe has firmly established himself as one of the greatest goal scorers in World Cup history, currently holding the record for the most goals in a single edition with 10 during the 2026 tournament. Lionel Messi, although trailing, still has a chance to challenge this record in the final, especially if he manages to score multiple goals. The competition for the Golden Boot remains open, making the final even more exciting.
England’s campaign was also highlighted by Jude Bellingham, who broke Gary Lineker’s longstanding record by scoring 7 goals—the most by an English player in a single World Cup edition. Bukayo Saka added to England’s achievements by scoring a hat trick, becoming the fourth English player to do so in World Cup history. These performances underscore England's strong presence and potential in international football.