The 2026 FIFA World Cup is drawing to a close, with only the final match remaining after an exhilarating third-place playoff between England and France.

In a record-breaking encounter, England triumphed over France with a score of 6-4 in Miami, marking the highest-scoring World Cup match since 1982.

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Although neither team aimed for this matchup, the game evolved into one of the tournament’s most captivating contests.

Kylian Mbappe and Ibrahima Konate started for France, while England opted to keep Jude Bellingham on the bench before bringing him on later in the game.

Both coaches made numerous changes, contributing to a more open and dynamic match than typically seen in a semi-final or final.

England surged to a stunning 4-0 lead, thanks to goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa, and a double from Bukayo Saka, before France mounted a comeback in the second half.

Mbappe netted two goals, and Ousmane Dembele added a late score, but England sealed their win with a stoppage-time goal from Bellingham.

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From Real Madrid’s perspective, Mbappe bolstered his chances for the Golden Boot, while Bellingham continued to shine. However, Konate faced a challenging night.

Kylian Mbappe vs England

Mbappe scored twice vs England. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Kylian Mbappe finished the World Cup without a medal but reminded everyone of his status as one of the game’s most formidable forwards by scoring twice in the second half, bringing his tournament total to 10 goals.

This achievement elevated him to 22 goals on the all-time scoring list, surpassing Lionel Messi’s 21, although Messi may have a chance to respond in the final match.

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Despite France’s chaotic team performance, Mbappe’s individual achievement was significant. He displayed determination to pull his team back from a difficult situation, creating hope briefly during the match.

Even amid an erratic game where France struggled defensively, Mbappe found the net twice, remaining a central figure in the narrative.

Though he ended in defeat, it does not overshadow his remarkable World Cup journey.

Ibrahima Konate vs England

Konate was taken off at half-time. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

Ibrahima Konate faced the toughest challenge of the Madrid players during the match.

The French center-back started in a heavily altered defensive lineup but found his team vulnerable in the first half.

Conceding four goals before halftime in any World Cup encounter is damaging, and doing so in a third-place playoff under the spotlight made it feel even worse.

It would be unjust to lay all the blame on Konate. France’s midfield was weak, England’s attacks were swift, and the entire defensive setup appeared shaky.

Despite this, it’s a game he will not want to remember fondly as a center-back.

For Real Madrid, the concern a single poor performance raises might not be significant, but the fact that their new signing struggled throughout the match is worrisome.

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Konate will be eager to move past this experience quickly.

Jude Bellingham vs France

Bellingham scored a fantastic goal vs France. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Although Jude Bellingham started on the bench, he still made a significant impact on the match.

The Real Madrid midfielder netted England’s sixth goal in the 98th minute, capping a counter-attack as France ardently sought an equaliser.

This marked Bellingham’s seventh goal of the tournament, making him the first English player to achieve this feat at a World Cup.

In characteristic fashion, he arrived just in time, seized the moment, and finished with the confidence expected of a match-decider.

Bellingham has had an impressive tournament and will return to Jose Mourinho’s squad with newfound confidence.