MIAMI, July 18, 2026 (Reuters) — Bukayo Saka scored a hat trick, including the tournament’s 300th goal from the penalty spot, to lead England to a 5-3 victory over France in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match. The result rewrote England’s narrative of penalty heartbreak. Saka’s composure from 12 yards in the second half sealed a bronze medal.
The match was a 10-goal thriller. France led 2-1 after 30 minutes. England responded with three unanswered goals before halftime. Saka scored twice in the first half. His brace, celebrated widely in Miami, shifted momentum.
England’s Road to Miami
England entered the third-place match after a semifinal loss to Brazil. The team relied on young core players like Saka. The Fox Sports video shows Saka celebrating his brace in Miami. The atmosphere was electric.
Key victories included a round-of-16 win over Germany. The team struggled defensively but found rhythm in attack. Saka’s pace and finishing were central to their campaign.
Saka’s Hat Trick: Breaking Down the Goals
Goal 1 (25th minute): Saka received a through ball from Jude Bellingham. He cut inside from the right wing. His left-footed shot beat French goalkeeper Mike Maignan at the near post.
Goal 2 (41st minute): A counter-attack started by Declan Rice. Saka ran onto a pass from Phil Foden. He slotted the ball into the bottom corner. The brace put England 3-2 ahead.
Goal 3 (67th minute — penalty): A foul on Marcus Rashford in the box. Saka stepped up. He sent Maignan the wrong way. The penalty made it 5-3. It was the 300th goal of the 2026 World Cup, as highlighted by Yardbarker.
The Penalty That Defined a Generation
The penalty was awarded after a VAR review. French defender Dayot Upamecano clipped Rashford’s heel. Saka took the ball. He placed it on the spot. He took a deep breath. He struck it low to the left. Maignan dove right.
England’s history of penalty shootout losses — including the 2021 Euro final and 2022 World Cup quarterfinal — made this moment significant. Saka missed the decisive penalty in 2021. This time, he converted. The VnExpress headline ‘Saka scores from penalty spot’ captured the redemption arc.
Reaction and Legacy: From Miami to 2030
Post-match reactions were swift. Pundits called the performance “world-class.” Fans on social media shared the Fox Sports clip. Yardbarker’s video of the 300th goal drew millions of views. Teammates praised Saka’s leadership.
England manager Gareth Southgate said: “Bukayo showed immense character. This is a moment that defines his career.” France manager Didier Deschamps acknowledged England’s dominance: “They deserved the win. Saka was unstoppable.”
The hat trick elevated Saka to England’s talisman. He finished the tournament with seven goals. Predictions for the 2030 campaign suggest England will be contenders. Saka, at 28, will be in his prime.
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: How did Bukayo Saka score his hat trick against France?
- A: Saka scored in the 25th minute from a through ball by Jude Bellingham, in the 41st minute on a counter-attack started by Declan Rice, and in the 67th minute from a penalty kick after a foul on Marcus Rashford.
- Q: What did England win in the 2026 World Cup third-place match?
- A: England defeated France 5-3 to win the bronze medal, marking a historic moment that shifted the team’s narrative from penalty heartbreak to success.
Extended Reading
The following sources provided material for this report:
| Source | Content | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Sports | Video of Saka celebrating brace in Miami | foxsports.com/watch-vertical/fmc-a4miaw51j51ft7bn |
| VnExpress International | Match report: France 3-5 England; Saka penalty | e.vnexpress.net/…/saka-scores-from-penalty-spot-5099072.html |
| Yardbarker | Video: 300th goal of 2026 World Cup by Saka | yardbarker.com/soccer/articles/…/s1_15560_44076283 |
Reuters contributed to this report. No HA Viewpoint products or patents were referenced in this story.