Bukayo Saka joins England World Cup elite after historic hat-trick

In partnership with

Just Arsenal News

·19 Juli 2026

Bukayo Saka joins England World Cup elite after historic hat-trick

Bukayo Saka has written his name into England’s World Cup history books after becoming just the fourth Three Lions player to score a hat-trick at the tournament.

The Arsenal forward produced a brilliant performance in England’s bronze final victory over France, joining an exclusive list that includes Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker and Harry Kane.

Video OneFootball

For Saka, reaching that level of international achievement was a moment of genuine pride.

“I’ve just been told there’s only four players for England that scored World Cup hat-tricks,” Saka said after the match.

“You know who those players are as well. That is an elite list to be part of. It makes me very proud.”

Saka’s rise reaches another level

For Arsenal supporters, Saka’s latest milestone is another reminder of the extraordinary journey he has been on.

The winger has developed from a Hale End academy graduate into one of the most important players in both club and country football.

A World Cup hat-trick is an achievement only three England players had managed before him, and Saka’s inclusion alongside Hurst, Lineker and Kane underlines the level he has reached.

This was not just another impressive individual performance.

It was another example of Saka delivering on the biggest stage.

England’s best World Cup finish abroad

While the bronze final was not the match England wanted to be playing before the tournament began, Saka admitted the squad were determined to finish their campaign strongly.

“I think it was more about finishing the tournament strong because as a group that’s what we deserve,” he explained, as quoted by FIFA.

“Obviously we believe as a whole we should have gone all the way and that we should be playing tomorrow, not today. But the reality is that we were playing today and we just wanted to finish strong.”

That mentality helped England secure their best World Cup finish outside England since lifting the trophy in 1966.

They also ended the tournament as one of the competition’s leading attacking sides, matching France’s total of 20 goals.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

A proud moment for Arsenal fans

Saka’s journey has been one Arsenal supporters know well.

From making his debut as a teenager to becoming the club’s attacking leader, his development has been built on consistency, resilience and a willingness to improve.

Now he has added a World Cup hat-trick to his growing list of achievements after England beat France 6-4 to win the bronze medal.

The 24-year-old also revealed the bond built within the England squad during the tournament, with manager Thomas Tuchel telling the players how proud he was of their efforts.

“The six, seven weeks we bonded like crazy,” Saka said.

For Arsenal, the biggest takeaway is simple.

Bukayo Saka is no longer viewed as a player with potential.

He is already part of football history.

And after joining some of England’s greatest World Cup goalscorers, there is every reason to believe more milestones are still to come.

Proud of Saka’s display last night Gooners?

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ ADMIN COMMENT

So here are some simple rules which I must insist commenters follow….

You agree not to give any personal abuse to other Arsenal fans. Everyone is allowed to hold their own opinions even if you disagree with them. It COSTS NOTHING TO BE POLITE TO OTHER ARSENAL FANS.

CALLING ALL ARSENAL FANS! Anyone who would like to contribute an Article or Video opinion piece on JustArsenal, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us through this link…