The 64-year-old record was broken! England vs. France rewrites FIFA World Cup history | Football News

NEW DELHI: The FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff between England and France entered the record books on Saturday as the teams staged a thrilling 10-goal contest.It was the first World Cup match in 64 years in which both teams scored four or more goals, since the Soviet Union and Colombia played to a 4-4 draw in 1962. It was also the highest score in a World Cup match since Hungary’s 10-1 victory over El Salvador in 1982, while the 10 goals were the most scored in a World Cup third-place playoff.England eventually defeated France 6-4 to claim the bronze medal.

Saka stars while controlled by England

Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick to fuel England’s victory. He found the net in the 37th minute, stoppage time in the first half and from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to register his second international hat-trick.Declan Rice opened the scoring before Ezri Konsa doubled England’s lead, helping the Three Lions race to a 4-0 half-time advantage.Jude Bellingham added the final goal in the eighth minute of stoppage time in the second half, bringing his tournament tally to seven goals.The bronze medal was England’s second best finish in FIFA World Cup after lifting the trophy in 1966.

Mbappe broke Messi’s World Cup scoring record

France put up a strong fightback in the second half, with Kylian Mbappe scored twice and Bradley Barcola and Ousmane Dembele also got on the scoresheet.Mbappe’s brace took his career FIFA World Cup tally to 22 goals, surpassing Lionel Messi’s record of 21.The France captain also moved to the top of the Golden Boot standings with 10 goals, two ahead of Messi, who has another chance to add to his tally when Argentina take on Spain in Sunday’s final.