The third‑place playoff in Miami turned into a high‑scoring affair as England edged France 6‑4 in a match that swung back and forth until the final whistle.
Kylian Mbappé stole the spotlight by netting twice in the second half, bringing his career World Cup tally to 21 goals and eclipsing Lionel Messi’s long‑standing record.
A Record‑Breaking Night
The milestone placed Mbappé at the summit of the tournament’s scoring charts, turning the race for the Golden Boot into a duel that now seems heavily in his favor.
While Messi still has a chance to close the gap in the final, the French forward made clear that his priority lies in reaching the championship decider rather than adding another personal accolade.
England’s first‑half onslaught was led by Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and Bukayo Saka, who combined for three quick goals before France responded after the break.
Ousmane Dembélé’s stoppage‑time strike added a consolation for Les Bleus, while Jude Bellingham’s solo run sealed the victory for the Three Lions, underscoring the match’s dramatic ebb and flow.