Saka hat-trick lifts England to World Cup bronze
Telemundo Deportes reported that England beat France for third place as Bukayo Saka starred and Kylian Mbappé looked toward Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
2 min read
Bukayo Saka signed off England’s World Cup with a hat-trick and a bronze medal, while Kylian Mbappé left France’s final match of the tournament with disappointment and a Golden Boot race now tied to Lionel Messi.
Telemundo Deportes reported that England defeated France in the third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on July 18, closing a goal-heavy contest that put England back on a World Cup podium after six decades.
Saka was named player of the match, according to Telemundo Deportes. The outlet reported that he highlighted England’s historic third-place finish after scoring three times, and believed the team secured the bronze because of how it played in the first half.
The match was framed by Telemundo Deportes as a “festival” of goals between England and France. Its match coverage listed Saka scoring from the penalty spot, Ousmane Dembélé making it 4-5 for France, and Jude Bellingham sealing England’s victory.
Mbappé also scored for France, with Telemundo Deportes describing his strike as a goal that gave his team life in the match. The outlet also reported that Mbappé became the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history during the game.
For France, the result meant a painful finish rather than a place in the final. Telemundo Deportes reported that Mbappé was saddened by the defeat and said he regretted not being able to play the final.
The Golden Boot picture also shifted. According to Telemundo Deportes, Mbappé said Messi would surely score, leaving the race for the tournament’s top scorer in Messi’s hands.
England manager Thomas Tuchel praised his side after the win. In comments carried by Telemundo Deportes, Tuchel said the mentality England showed, along with the way the team overcame adversity, was “absolutely brilliant.”
France coach Didier Deschamps also spoke after what Telemundo Deportes described as his last match with the national team. Deschamps called his time with France “a very beautiful adventure,” according to the outlet.
The post-match images included England receiving the bronze medals and players from both teams sharing an emotional embrace after the third-place duel, Telemundo Deportes reported.
For England, the day ended with Saka at the center of the celebration and a podium return decades in the making. For France, it ended with Mbappé’s record, a loss, and one last look toward Messi in the scoring race.
This story draws on original reporting from TELEMUNDO.com.