France experienced a "nightmarish" first half, falling behind 0-4 to England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday, July 18.
Despite a remarkable comeback attempt, scoring three goals to narrow the gap to 3-4, and later 4-5, the French team ultimately lost 4-6. Didier Deschamps' side conceded four goals before halftime, with Declan Rice scoring in the 3rd minute and Konsa adding another in the 18th. Bukayo Saka netted a brace in the 37th and 45+1 minutes.
France made four substitutions at halftime, bringing in Upamecano, Demb茅l茅, Barcola, and Digne. Kylian Mbapp茅 initiated the comeback in the 48th minute, followed by Barcola in the 54th, and Mbapp茅 again in the 66th, bringing the score to 3-4. However, Saka scored a penalty in the 88th minute, and despite a goal from Demb茅l茅 in the 90+6 minute, Jude Bellingham sealed England's victory with a solo effort in the 90+8 minute.
England secured third place in the tournament. Kylian Mbapp茅, with 10 goals, surpassed Messi's 8 goals to become the top scorer before the final.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Abidjan.net.
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