Mbappe breaks all-time WC goal record as Saka hat-trick fails France in 10-goal thriller

A historic evening for French talisman Kylian Mbappé ended in bittersweet heartbreak as England clinched a wild 6-4 victory in an astonishing, high-scoring third-place playoff at the Hard Rock Stadium on Saturday night. While Mbappé cemented his status as a footballing immortal by becoming the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals, it was a sensational hat-trick from Bukayo Saka and a late Jude Bellingham solo masterclass that earned England the bronze medal.Despite superstars Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham initially starting on the bench, a clinical England side tore through the French defense early on to establish a commanding 4-0 lead. France, still hurting from their semifinal exit against Spain, looked completely buried before their captain single-handedly dragged them back into contention.Mbappé began the rescue act in the 48th minute, smartly flicking a shot past Three Lions goalkeeper Dean Henderson. In the 66th minute, the 27-year-old superstar generated a moment of history. Meeting the ball inside the box, he unleashed a fierce left-footed strike from 14 yards to beat Henderson again, moving his tournament tally to 10 goals—two clear of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race. More importantly, the goal was his 22nd career World Cup strike, officially surpassing Messi's previous all-time record of 21 goals.Mbappé's second goal brought Les Bleus roaring back to a tight 4-3 deficit. However, England quickly reasserted their dominance. An unstoppable Bukayo Saka completed a brilliant hat-trick to keep the Three Lions ahead in the chaotic second half.France kept pushing, closing the gap to 5-4 through the goal of Dembele and threatening a dramatic equalizer. But Jude Bellingham, introduced as a late substitute, put the final exclamation mark on the match in added minutes. The Real Madrid midfielder produced a spectacular solo run, weaving past multiple French defenders before slotting the ball home to seal the incredible 6-4 victory. While England celebrated a thrilling finish to their campaign, Mbappé walked away with a historic milestone wrapped in defeat.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.