Nigeria-eligible forward Bukayo Saka delivered a remarkable performance as England defeated France 6-4 in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off.
Saka scored a hat-trick, while former Super Eagles invitee Eberechi Eze provided an assist as England secured World Cup bronze glory after missing out on a place in the final following their semi-final defeat to Argentina.
Another former Super Eagles invitee, Michael Olise, also left his mark on the third-place play-off by providing assists for Kylian Mbappé's goals.
In the process, the France winger etched his name into the World Cup record books.
According to Opta, Olise finished the 2026 FIFA World Cup with seven assists, surpassing Pelé's previous record of six, set at the 1970 tournament, since Opta's records began in 1966.
Remarkably, five of Olise's seven assists were for Mbappé's goals — the highest number of assists from one player to a single teammate in a World Cup during the Opta era.
Thomas Tuchel handed starts to Saka and Eze after they missed England’s semi-final loss, while another former Nigeria-eligible player, Noni Madueke, was not involved in the encounter.
England made a flying start, with Declan Rice opening the scoring in the third minute before Ezri Konsa doubled their advantage from a corner.
Saka then added two goals before the break, including a strike assisted by Eze, as England went into half-time with a commanding 4-0 lead.
France responded strongly after the restart, with Kylian Mbappe scoring twice and Bradley Barcola reducing the deficit to 4-3.
However, Saka completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 87th minute to restore England’s two-goal cushion.
Ousmane Dembele pulled another goal back for France deep into stoppage time, but Jude Bellingham sealed victory for England with a late strike in the 98th minute to make it 6-4.
The result secured third place for England at the 2026 World Cup, with Saka emerging as the standout performer after his historic hat-trick in the bronze medal match.
Wale Adejumo
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