England and France players share embrace after World Cup bronze match
Telemundo Deportes footage showed players from both sides hugging after England beat France to take third place at the 2026 World Cup.
By Sal Moretti · Money Reporter
2 min read
England’s bronze-medal night ended with a shared hug, not a shove, after a wild third-place match against France at the 2026 World Cup.
Telemundo Deportes footage from July 18 showed Bukayo Saka, Trevoh Chalobah, Maxence Lacroix, Marc Guéhi, Jean-Philippe Mateta, Eberechi Eze and Dayot Upamecano coming together in an emotional embrace after the final whistle.
The broadcaster described the moment as a gesture of unity and sportsmanship following England’s win over France in the match for third place.
Bronze for England after a goal rush
Telemundo’s match coverage said England defeated France in a “rain” of goals to claim third place at the 2026 World Cup. The broadcaster also showed England receiving the bronze medal after bouncing back from its previous disappointment in the tournament.
The scoring clips listed by Telemundo point to a frantic afternoon. Declan Rice was credited with opening the scoring for England, before Ezri Konsa made it 0-2.
Saka then took over a big chunk of the highlight reel. Telemundo credited him with England’s third goal, then a second strike for 0-4, and later a penalty that punished France again.
France did not fade quietly. Telemundo’s clips credited Kylian Mbappé with a historic World Cup goal, another goal that gave France life, and a piece of play that set up Bradley Barcola for a French score.
Ousmane Dembélé was also shown scoring for France to make it 4-5, according to Telemundo’s video listing. Jude Bellingham was then credited by the broadcaster with sealing England’s victory.
Saka named player of the match
Saka was named player of the match, according to Telemundo Deportes. In a postgame clip, the broadcaster said Saka believed England won bronze because of the way the team played in the first half.
England manager Thomas Tuchel also praised his side after the match. In a Telemundo video title, Tuchel said: “La mentalidad que mostramos, y haber superado la adversidad, es absolutamente brillante,” meaning he called the mentality England showed, and the way the team overcame adversity, “absolutely brilliant.”
For France, the day carried another marker: Telemundo identified the match as Didier Deschamps’ last in charge of the national team. In the broadcaster’s postgame clip, Deschamps said: “Fue una aventura muy hermosa,” calling his time with France “a very beautiful adventure.”
Telemundo also showed Tuchel and Deschamps embracing before the match, adding another handshake-and-hug note to a day that finished with players from both sides gathered together after the fight for bronze.
This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.