Saka breaks into the legendary list and takes France back 68 years

England star Bukayo Saka shone with a hat-trick in a 6-4 win over France in a match that decided the third-place team at the 2026 World Cup.

Saka scored the third and fourth goals for England in the 37th and 45th minutes, and in the 87th minute he scored his third personal goal from the penalty spot.

Stats Foot reported that Saka became the first player to score a hat-trick against France in various competitions since Geoff Hurst, who did so in a friendly against England on 12 March 1969.

The French network continued. “Saka also became the second player to score a hat-trick for the Roosters at the World Cup, after the legend Pele, who did it against Brazil on June 24, 1958.

While the “Squaka” network reported that only 4 players have previously scored a hat-trick for England in the World Cup: Geoff Hurst (1966), Gary Lineker (1986), Harry Kane (2018) and Bukayo Saka (2026).

Only four members of the England team scored a hat-trick in the World Cup.

◎ Jeff Hearst (1966)
◎ Gary Lineker (1986)
◎ Harry Kane (2018)
◉ Bukayo Saka (2026)

Joining some legendary names. 🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/5sBFTUzapo

— Squawka (@Squawka) July 18, 2026

🏴 Bukayo Saka is the first player to score a hat-trick against France in all competitions since Geof Hurst against England on March 12, 1969 (friendly) and the 2nd to do so since Pele against Brazil on June 24, 1958 at the World Cup. #FRENCH

— Stats Foot (@Statsdufoot) July 18, 2026

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