England finished the first half leading 4-0 against France in the 2026 World Cup third-place match on Saturday evening, moving close to matching the biggest victory in the history of World Cup third-place matches.

The largest goal difference in the history of World Cup third-place matches is 4 goals, when Sweden beat Bulgaria 4-0 in the 1994 edition.

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Declan Rice found the net in the third minute, before Ezri Konsa doubled the lead in the 18th minute, then Bukayo Saka added the third and fourth goals in the 37th and 45+1 minutes.

According to French network 'stats foot', Rice's goal is the fastest France have conceded in a World Cup since Englishman Bryan Robson's goal in the first minute of their meeting in the 1982 World Cup.

This is also the first time in France's World Cup history that they have conceded two goals within the first 20 minutes of a match, in addition to conceding two or more goals in consecutive World Cup matches for the first time since the 2010 edition under coach Raymond Domenech.

The French team had lost 2-0 to Spain in the semi-final.

The largest margin of victory in a World Cup third-placed play-off is 4, when Sweden beat Bulgaria 4-0 in 1994.

In case you were wondering. 🤪 https://t.co/WdiXrCZ9WI

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 18, 2026