What is France’s biggest World Cup loss? Record-breaking loss on the cards

France were stunned by England in the first half of the World Cup third-placed playoff on Saturday, falling to a 4-0 deficit at halftime.

Goals from Declan Rice, Ezri Konsa and a brace from Bukayo Saka earned England a four-goal advantage and put France on course for a historic defeat. France battled back in the second half and managed to end with a 6-4 defeat, saving face in their final game of the tournament.

The biggest World Cup loss in the history of the France national team came in the semi-final in 1958, a 5-2 loss to eventual champions Brazil. A 17-year-old Pelé announced himself to the world with a hat-trick for Brazil.

France managed to avoid an record-breaking loss in the third place playoff, their final game under legendary head coach Didier Deschamps. It was also the last chance for Kylian Mbappé to add to his goals tally and move ahead of Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot standings.

Mbappé scored twice against England, taking his tally to 10 goals at the 2026 World Cup, two goals clear at the top of the standings. Messi will play the World Cup final with Argentina on Sunday.

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