Big games make big statements, and the World Cup 2026 match for third place delivered plenty. Using the performance data and Sofascore Ratings from the contest, we built a Team of the Week packed with end product up front, control in midfield and decisive work at the back. Every pick below is backed by match stats fans care about, from goals and assists to tackles, duels and saves. You can check each player’s full event map and numbers on Sofascore.

Forwards deliver the headline numbers

Kylian Mbappé led the line with 2 goals and 1 assist, the kind of return that wins any selection debate. He fired 8 total shots, with 4 on target, and posted 1.94 xGOT to underline shot quality. His 1.4 xG reflected sustained threat, even with 1 big chance missed. He was caught offside twice, which often happens when a striker keeps stretching the back line. That attacking volume, plus the end product, powered a 9.9 Sofascore Rating.

Bukayo Saka matched that energy with a hat-trick that spoke for itself. He needed just 5 shots to score 3 times, and 4 of those efforts tested the goalkeeper. His 1.49 xG and 2.2 xGOT showed how consistently he found high-value shooting positions. There was also 1 big chance missed, a sign that there could even have been more on another day. The clinical display was reflected in a 9.5 Sofascore Rating.

Wide threats add balance and punch

Ousmane Dembélé chipped in with a well-taken goal from 2 shots, marrying efficiency with timing in the final third. His 0.48 xG and 1.0 xGOT pointed to good shot locations and clean contact. Beyond finishing, he created with 2 key passes that kept defenders guessing. That blend of end product and chance creation merited an 8.3 Sofascore Rating. It was the kind of rounded wing performance every coach wants in tight matches.

Bradley Barcola joined the scorers with 1 goal from 2 shots, producing 0.41 xG and 0.8 xGOT. He did not need volume to make a difference, just smart movement and composure. The contribution gave his side another vertical outlet when it mattered. A 7.7 Sofascore Rating captured a tidy, efficient outing that complemented the more explosive numbers elsewhere in attack.

Midfield control and timing

Declan Rice put on a complete display with 1 goal and 1 assist, the classic box-to-box contribution. He created chances too, finishing with 2 key passes and 0.2 xA. His delivery was on point with 5 crosses, 3 of them accurate. The passing platform was elite at 87 of 91 completed for 96 percent, including 25 of 28 in the opposition half and 62 of 63 in his own half. He also mixed it long when needed, connecting on 2 of 3 long balls. That command of tempo, plus direct goal involvement, earned a 9.6 Sofascore Rating. It was the engine-room performance that ties a team together.

Jude Bellingham timed his runs and finishes well, adding 1 goal from 2 total shots. His 0.44 xG summed up the quality of the chances he arrived on. He did not force the issue, instead picking spots and supporting circulation between lines. The efficiency and impact were recognized with an 8.2 Sofascore Rating.

Centre-backs keep the door shut

Marc Guéhi stacked up key defensive plays, posting 7 defensive contributions. He completed 2 tackles with 1 won and made 2 interceptions that broke up promising attacks. Three clearances and zero times dribbled past spoke to clean positioning. He also produced 2 last-man tackles, the highest-stakes interventions a defender can make. That body of work was reflected in a 7.3 Sofascore Rating.

Ezri Konsa matched that standard with 8 defensive contributions of his own. He won both of his tackles, added 4 interceptions and 1 blocked shot, and collected 7 recoveries. On the deck he went 6 ground duels with 4 won, while in the air he finished 2 of 2. Like his partner, he was not dribbled past, a key indicator for centre-backs in space. A calm outing under pressure delivered a 7.3 Sofascore Rating and a platform for the attackers to shine.

Full-backs and safe hands

Djed Spence turned in a busy shift with 9 defensive contributions, headlined by 5 tackles with 3 won. He read danger with 1 interception and cleared his lines 3 times. Fifteen ground duels with 10 won showed real bite on his flank. Add 1 last-man tackle and zero times dribbled past, and you get a profile of a defender who competed all game. The numbers added up to a 6.9 Sofascore Rating and valuable width in both directions.

Reece James kept things tidy on his side with 3 defensive contributions. He won his only tackle, blocked 1 shot and completed 1 clearance, and was not dribbled past while winning 2 of 2 ground duels. Behind them, Dean Henderson handled the key moments with 5 saves and 0.16 goals prevented, including 2 stops from inside the box. He also judged his line well with 1 successful run-out, keeping danger under control. Those interventions supported a 7.4 Sofascore Rating for the goalkeeper and closed out a well-rounded Team of the Week.

That wraps a third-place match selection heavy on goals, efficient creation and assured defending. All picks come straight from the event data, with the Sofascore Rating used as context rather than the headline. For more match insights, live scores and advanced football stats, follow along on Sofascore.