sports
Saka’s hat trick lifts England past Mbappé and France 6-4 in wild World Cup third-place game
By Litzy Grijalba at WSVN 7 News
· July 18, 2026
· 1 min read
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Bukayo Saka scored three goals to lead England to a 6-4 win over France for third place in the World Cup, while Kylian Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi’s career World Cup scoring record and took the lead in the Golden Boot race with a pair of second-half goals on Saturday. It
Key takeaway It was the highest-scoring World Cup game since Hungary beat El Salvador 10-1 in 1982, and the 10 goals were the most in a third-place match.
Why this matters in The Miami
The thrilling World Cup match between England and France at Miami Gardens brings international attention to South Florida's vibrant sports scene. As a hub for diverse communities, including strong Latin American and Caribbean presences, Miami is well-suited to host global events like the World Cup. The city's ability to draw large crowds and provide an electric atmosphere will likely make it a desirable location for future international competitions. The success of this match may also have implications for local sports development, potentially inspiring young athletes in Miami-Dade County's public schools and community programs. With its strong reputation for hosting major events, Miami continues to solidify its position as a premier sports destination, attracting visitors from around the world and boosting the local economy. As the city looks to the future, it will be interesting to see how it leverages its sports infrastructure to attract new events and talent.
About this story
Original reporting by WSVN 7 News . The Miami surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSVN 7 News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: sports ·
Published: July 18, 2026 ·
Source: WSVN 7 News ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — Bukayo Saka scored three goals to lead England to a 6-4 win over France for third place in the World Cup, while Kylian Mbappé surpassed Lionel Messi’s career World Cup scoring record and took the lead in the Golden Boot race with a pair of second-half goals on Saturday. It
When was this published? This article was first published on July 18, 2026 by WSVN 7 News and curated for The Miami readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Litzy Grijalba at WSVN 7 News. To learn more about how The Miami selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more sports coverage from The Miami, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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