Declan Rice enters the World Cup history books after breaking the 90-year-old record for the first World Cup goal | Football News

England’s Declan Rice (4) celebrates scoring their first goal during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Declan Rice etched his name in England and FIFA World Cup history after scoring the fastest goal of his international career during England’s dramatic 6-4 win over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff.The England captain scored after 2 minutes and 14 seconds in Miami to score his first World Cup goal, setting the tone for one of the most remarkable matches in the tournament’s history. The early strike helped launch England towards their highest World Cup finish since 1966 while also earning Rice a place among many exclusive lists in history.His goal is not only important because it opens the scoring. It also became one of the fastest recorded in a third-place playoff in the World Cup.

Fastest goals in third place playoff history

According to statistics compiled by MisterChip, Rice’s opener is the third-fastest goal scored in a FIFA World Cup third-place match.Only two players found the net quicker:?

Şükür’s strike remains the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history at every stage of the tournament.More than 90 years after Lehner’s effort in Italy, Rice has joined the exclusive list of England’s first breakthrough in the World Cup bronze medal match.

England’s first goal of the tournament in years

Rice’s strike also represented England’s fastest goal in a competitive international fixture since Luke Shaw scored after 1 minute and 57 seconds against Italy in the UEFA Euro 2020 final.Wearing the captain’s armband, Rice collected possession outside the penalty area before driving a precise low finish past Mike Maignan to give England the perfect start.

England’s Declan Rice (4) scores their first goal as France’s Malo Gusto (2) and Desire Doue (20) defend during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

It was also the midfielder’s first World Cup goal after previously playing supporting roles in England’s recent tournament campaigns.

A complete performance in midfield

Rice’s influence did not end with the opening. Fifteen minutes later, he delivered a superb corner which Ezri Konsa headed into the net to double England’s advantage.That assist earned Rice another important milestone.According to Opta, he became the first England player since David Beckham in the 2002 World Cup to register two assists directly from corner kicks during a World Cup tournament.Rice’s first corner assist of the competition came in England’s 4-2 group-stage win over Croatia, where he provided Harry Kane with a headed goal from a set piece. Beckham achieved the same feat in Korea and Japan by scoring goals for Sol Campbell against Sweden in the group stage and Rio Ferdinand against Denmark in the round of 16. Twenty-four years later, Rice matched that feat.

Rice also became the sixth England player to both score and provide an assist in the same FIFA World Cup match.Today’s exclusive list includes:

His contribution proved decisive as England raced into a 4-0 halftime lead before finally overcoming a spirited French comeback to win 6-4.

Arsenal’s history and England’s best finish in decades

Rice also helped Arsenal achieve another unusual feat in World Cup history.Along with Bukayo Saka, who scored a hat-trick against France, the pair became only the second Arsenal duo to score in the same men’s World Cup match.The first was Netherlands teammates Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp, ​​who both scored against South Korea in the 1998 World Cup group stage in Marseille shortly after helping Arsenal win the domestic Double.For Rice, however, individual records matter less than team performance.His first World Cup goal helped England secure the bronze medal after a thrilling 10-goal run, ending the tournament on a high after a semifinal upset against Argentina.During an unforgettable afternoon, Rice not only celebrated his first goal on the biggest football stage but also joined some of the most famous company in England, producing a performance that will be one of the best of his international career.