England vs. France Live World Cup 2026 Updates, Scores and Highlights

He made this run in the 98th minute 🎥

'Go and get your hat trick' 📸

In one of the most epic matches in World Cup history, England held on to earn the bronze medal. A dominant first half drove Thomas Tuchel's side into having an astonishing four-goal advantage. That massive lead would be reduced quickly in the second half. France made sure Didier Deschamps' final match as manager wouldn't end in an embarrassing defeat.

A strong tackle from substitute Dayot Upamecano on Ollie Watkins allowed France the opportunity to play on the transition. Michael Olise found space to play an exceptional no-look pass into Kylian Mbappe for a smooth finish. The goal put Mbappe ahead of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race.

It wouldn't take long for France to score their second. Mbappe sent in a through ball to Bradley Barcola, who got behind Jarell Quansah down the left to score eight minutes after coming on. After looking completely disoriented in the first half, the two-time World Champions were far more inspired going forward and solidified in defense. Deschamps' four substitutions at halftime turned a one-sided battering into an incredible battle.

England would nearly respond with a goal. They continued to look dangerous on set pieces, as Ivan Toney's impressive leap and header forced Mike Maignan into an outstanding save, who had to cope with Watkins being in front of him. That was the only positive in an otherwise disastrous start to the second half for England, as Olise and Ousmane Dembele nearly scored from dangerous areas.

France's relentless pressure would eventually lead to a third goal, as Olise and Mbappe combined for another highlight-reel goal. The chemistry between both players is extraordinary, leaving England completely overwhelmed in their efforts to defend a once-commanding lead. Thomas Tuchel made long-awaited changes by bringing on Jude Bellingham and Elliot Anderson in the 79th minute to give much-needed balance to his team. The jaw-dropping moments would still keep coming.

Bellingham nearly scored a remarkable goal after dribbling past multiple players. France instantly responded as Mbappe, Dembele, and Olise combined for what would have been an outrageous team goal. Olise somehow missed a glorious chance to finish his strange tournament with zero goals despite producing six assists. That miss would prove to be costly.

Djed Spence beat Malo Gusto to the ball down the left flank following an intelligent pass from Morgan Rogers. Gusto's failed lunging challenge in the box led to Bukayo Saka scoring a half trick. His sharp penalty into the bottom right corner sent Maignan the wrong way.

France would strike back again, as Dembele had acres of space on the right after a tremendous interception from Upamecano. It was a vintage goal from the reigning Ballon d'Or winner. Their attempt at a legendary comeback would fall short. Bellingham would cap off his stellar World Cup with a brilliant goal. The superstar midfielder's stepover, followed by a chop, left Maxence Lacroix in another zip code. He would finish France off with a cool finish into the bottom right corner to end an exhilarating, memorable match in style. 

Fans serenade England players one last time 🎥

Jude with incredible 7th goal at World Cup 🎥

Unbelievable.

Hatty for Bukayo and England (probably clinches)

It is now 4-3.....

We have a GAME in Miami...

Mbappé back in front of Golden Boot chase as score goes 4-1

It's been a spectacular performance by England after the devastating defeat to Argentina. They have been more aggressive and cohesive than France. Despite both teams making several changes to their respective lineups, Thomas Tuchel's side has been clinical when creating opportunities. That was started by capitalizing on a French mistake. 

Declan Rice pounced on an errant pass from Desire Doue. The star midfielder dribbled forward with purpose to bend in a beautiful shot from 25 yards out into the bottom right corner. After battling through illness over the past week, Rice looked invigorated at the heart of the action. He would go on to assist England's second goal.

A well-taken corner found Ezri Konsa, who accelerated past Adrien Rabiot to the near post, for an excellent header into the back of the net. France's back line has looked disastrous without the first-choice centerback pairing of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano. They were all over the place on England's third goal, as Bukayo Saka finished his fine work after putting Marcus Rashford through on goal with a clever ball. After Mike Maignan saved Rashford's shot and Saka's rebound was initially blocked, Rashford regained possession to find Saka for another composed finish.

Saka wasn't finished tearing apart France's back four. Eberechi Eze spotted his Arsenal teammate making a run into the box. A tremendous first touch created the space for Saka to score a first-half brace, leaving Maignan with no chance to cap off a stunning first half. This is looking like a humiliating end to Didier Deschamps' historic run as France manager. 

Un-be-lievable

Three Lions absolutely crushing French rivals

Three Lions roaring early vs. France.

What a strike Declan

France and England go at it again...

Third place play-off here we go

French superstar shares message for departing Les Bleus' HC 📸

Is that what we're calling it?

Enjoy 10 of the best strikes from the tournament 🎥