The exciting third-place playoff produced ten goals, historic milestones and standout performances from players of Nigerian heritage.
England wrapped up their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in spectacular fashion after defeating France 6-4 in an entertaining third-place playoff, with Bukayo Saka, Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise all making headlines for their contributions.
The match proved especially memorable for players of Nigerian heritage. Saka stole the show with a brilliant hat-trick, Eze registered an assist, while Olise created history by setting a new FIFA World Cup assist record despite France finishing on the losing side.
Saka Leads England’s Attacking Display
England made a blistering start under head coach Thomas Tuchel, taking the lead through Declan Rice in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled the advantage from a corner.
Saka then took centre stage by scoring twice before halftime, with one of his goals created by Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze, giving England a commanding 4-0 lead at the break.
France attempted an impressive comeback after halftime as captain Kylian Mbappé struck twice and Bradley Barcola added another to reduce the deficit to a single goal.
However, Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the closing minutes to restore England’s control before Jude Bellingham scored deep into stoppage time to seal an unforgettable 6-4 victory and secure the bronze medal.
Michael Olise Sets New World Cup Assist Record
Although France fell short, Michael Olise produced another remarkable individual performance during the tournament.
According to Opta, the Bayern Munich winger finished the 2026 FIFA World Cup with seven assists, setting a new record for the most assists in a single edition of the tournament since Opta began tracking the statistic in 1966.
The previous mark of six assists had been held by Brazilian legend Pelé following the 1970 FIFA World Cup.
Even more impressively, five of Olise’s seven assists came for goals scored by Kylian Mbappé, the highest number of assists provided by one player to a single teammate at a World Cup during the Opta era.
Mbappé and Bellingham Also Reach Historic Milestones
Despite France’s defeat, Mbappé continued his remarkable World Cup journey by scoring twice to move to the top of the tournament’s scoring charts.
The Real Madrid forward ended the competition with 22 goals in 22 World Cup appearances and recorded 14 direct goal contributions, underlining another exceptional campaign on football’s biggest stage.
England midfielder Jude Bellingham also entered the record books after becoming the first England player to score seven goals in a single FIFA World Cup tournament, capping the thrilling contest with England’s sixth goal.
Strong Tournament for Players of Nigerian Heritage
England’s victory also highlighted the growing influence of players with Nigerian roots on the international stage.
Bukayo Saka’s hat-trick, Eberechi Eze’s creativity and Michael Olise’s record-breaking assist tally ensured that players of Nigerian heritage featured prominently among the standout performers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With England securing only their second-ever World Cup podium finish, the tournament ended on a memorable note for the Three Lions and for several stars with strong Nigerian connections.