Saka’s Hat-Trick Powers England to Historic Third Place, Mbappé Tops Golden Boot

Kylian Mbappé overtook Lionel Messi as the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with his 10th goal. Yet Bukayo Saka stole the spotlight by netting a hat-trick in England’s thrilling 6-4 victory over France in the third-place playoff, marking their best finish since 1966. England raced into a 4-0 lead in the first half. Declan Rice struck early, Ezri Konsa headed home, and Saka added two more before the break. France, in Didier Deschamps’ farewell match, looked out of sorts until the interval. The French fightback produced two more goals from Mbappé and one from Bradley Barcola, narrowing the gap to 4-3. But Saka’s calm penalty and a late solo effort from Jude Bellingham sealed a memorable win. Mbappé’s tally of 10 goals granted him the Golden Boot and sole possession of the top spot in the all-time World Cup scorers list, while Saka became the first Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup knockout match.

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