France 4 – Angleterre 6 England secures third place in world cup after thrilling victory over France
(Miami) The French national team concluded Didier Deschamps’ tenure with a 6-4 defeat to England in the World Cup’s third-place playoff match in Miami. This wild encounter saw Kylian Mbappé net a brace, solidifying his status as the sole record holder for most goals in World Cup history.
This outcome proved bittersweet for the departing manager of Les Bleus. Despite his plea for his squad to treat this final fixture seriously, the loss somewhat overshadowed their otherwise commendable World Cup journey, especially after their semi-final exit. It hardly reflected the immense contributions Deschamps made to the French squad since 2012.
Deschamps will undoubtedly remember his dramatic farewell on the Hard Rock Stadium pitch, where an astonishing ten goals were scored in a game of unbelievable twists and turns. “It’s the end of something that represented the most beautiful,” the coach remarked after the match, vowing to become a “silent supporter” of the team.
Hoping to conclude his illustrious 14-year reign at the helm of the French national team on a positive note, Deschamps endured a rollercoaster of emotions. He witnessed his side teeter on the brink of humiliation after a disastrous opening half, only for a late, ultimately futile resurgence led by captain Mbappé.
Still reeling from their 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain on Tuesday, the Tricolores faced an overwhelming English attack in the first half. Goals from Declan Rice (3rd minute), Ezri Konsa (18th minute), and a double from Bukayo Saka (37th, 45th+1) carved through a visibly lethargic and outmaneuvered French defense. Deschamps himself labeled it an “unpresentable first half.”
Midfielder Adrien Rabiot echoed this sentiment, condemning the first half as “shameful.” The outspoken AC Milan player asserted, “We cannot simply be content with botching things like that.”
The French backline was in disarray, prompting Deschamps to make no fewer than four substitutions at halftime. The introduction of forwards Ousmane Dembélé and Bradley Barcola, alongside defenders Dayot Upamecano and Lucas Digne, immediately revitalized Les Bleus. Mbappé scored twice (48th, 66th minutes) and Barcola added another (54th minute), igniting an almost surreal conclusion to the match.
Sursaut vain
Ultimately, this spirited comeback proved insufficient. The French players were unable to deliver a fitting send-off for their coach. Saka sealed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute, and Jude Bellingham struck in injury time, crushing France’s final hopes, even after Ousmane Dembélé had briefly reignited them with a goal in the 90th+6 minute.
While the result disappointed Deschamps, the attacking players, who had struggled against La Roja in the semi-final, at least rediscovered their spectacular form for a captivating 45 minutes, reminiscent of their early tournament brilliance.
Although a second World Cup title after 2018 eluded him, Mbappé departs the competition with his head held high. With an impressive 22 goals across three World Cup finals, he now stands alone as the record holder for most goals in the tournament’s history and leads the 2026 edition’s scoring charts with 10 goals.
“I would have gladly traded the record for the opportunity to compete in the final,” Mbappé stated candidly.
The French captain admitted that Les Bleus were “completely stunned” by England’s dominant first 45 minutes.
I can understand those who might feel this was a mockery, that we didn’t respect the jersey. However, I would argue we simply showed our human side, and unfortunately, at this level, we cannot afford such humanity.
Kylian Mbappé
Nevertheless, Mbappé has put considerable pressure on his direct rival, Lionel Messi, who will have every opportunity to respond in Sunday’s final against Spain in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
The captain remained exemplary throughout his time in the United States, living up to his esteemed status. Already the Golden Boot recipient in Qatar 2022, the Real Madrid forward is well-positioned to retain the award, unless the Albiceleste star delivers an extraordinary performance in the final.
Deschamps, however, could not extend the same praise to the rest of Les Bleus, particularly the defenders, who appeared disengaged for long stretches. Yet, it’s difficult to fault players who arrived at this World Cup aiming for a third star, only to be crushed by a semi-final defeat and then compelled to battle for a consolation bronze medal.
For England and their German coach Thomas Tuchel, who faced intense scrutiny following their 2-1 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, this result offered a minor, albeit bittersweet, consolation. “We had envisioned the most glorious success and were filled with ambition. Under these circumstances, it’s incredibly painful not to achieve everything,” Tuchel admitted.
Despite this, England recorded their best World Cup performance since their sole triumph in 1966.
