Bukayo Saka etched his name into English football history, becoming the fourth England player to score a hat-trick in World Cup history. This occurred during the thrilling 6-4 win over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place match, leading his country to their first bronze medal.
The Arsenal winger stole the show by scoring three goals against France, netting the third and fourth goals in the first half before completing his hat-trick with a penalty in the second half. This led England to one of their biggest victories in tournament history.
With this achievement, Saka joined a list of English football stars who have previously scored a World Cup hat-trick: Geoff Hurst in 1966, Gary Lineker in 1986, and Harry Kane in 2018, making him the fourth player to achieve this historic feat.
The Arsenal star also increased his tally to 17 goals in 56 appearances for England, adding the 2026 World Cup bronze medal to his international achievements, having previously won silver at the European Championships in 2021 and 2024.
In terms of historical records, Saka reached his fifth goal in World Cup finals, tying with Geoff Hurst for fourth place on England’s all-time World Cup scorers list, behind Jude Bellingham with 7 goals, Gary Lineker with 10 goals, while Harry Kane continues to lead the list with 14 goals, including 6 scored in the current tournament.
England
England is a country located in the United Kingdom, known for its rich history, which includes the influence of the Roman Empire, the medieval period, and the development of constitutional monarchy. Iconic landmarks such as the Tower of London, Stonehenge, and Canterbury Cathedral reflect its cultural and architectural heritage. Today, England remains a global center for art, literature, and science, with vibrant cities like London and Manchester.
World Cup
The “World Cup” is the most important international football tournament, organized by FIFA, which takes place every four years. The first edition was held in 1930 in Uruguay, and since then it has become a global symbol of the sport, bringing together national teams from around the world to compete for the golden trophy. This event has marked history with legendary moments and has contributed to the worldwide popularization of football.
France
France is a Western European country with a rich history, being the cradle of major events such as the French Revolution of 1789 and the birthplace of Enlightenment culture. Renowned for its art, gastronomy, and iconic monuments such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, France played a central role in shaping European history and civilization.
Arsenal
Arsenal is a former military depot and industrial complex in London, best known for its transformation into the famous football stadium of Arsenal FC. Originally built in the 19th century as a munitions factory, the area was purchased by the club in 1913, and the stadium became a symbol of English football until the team moved to the Emirates Stadium in 2006. Today, the site preserves the memory of its industrial and sporting past.
2026 World Cup
The 2026 World Cup is a highly anticipated global sports event, held for the first time in three countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The tournament, which began in 1930, will see a historic expansion with 48 teams participating instead of 32, making it the largest in football history. Matches start on June 11, 2026, and conclude on July 19 of the same year.
European Championship
The “European Championship” refers to the European Football Championship, the most important continental tournament for national football teams. Its history began in 1960, when the first edition was organized, and since then it takes place every four years, becoming a symbol of sporting excellence and European unity.
2018 World Cup
The 2018 World Cup was an international football tournament hosted by Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018. The tournament was marked by the French national team winning the title after defeating Croatia 4-2 in the final match. It is considered the first tournament held in Eastern Europe and featured a successful organization across 11 different Russian cities.
1986 World Cup
The **1986 World Cup** was hosted by Mexico and remains famous in history due to the performance of the legendary Diego Maradona. This tournament marked the second time Mexico organized the event, and Maradona’s famous “Goal of the Century,” as well as the controversial “Hand of God,” occurred in the quarter-final match against England. Argentina ultimately won the trophy, defeating West Germany 3-2.
1966 World Cup
The **1966 World Cup** was hosted by England and was won by the English national team, which defeated West Germany 4-2 in the final at Wembley Stadium. This tournament was marked by controversy, particularly in the final, where Geoff Hurst’s goal remains a subject of debate. The event solidified the global popularity of football and has remained an iconic moment in sports history.
