Declan Rice makes World Cup history after breaking 90-year-old record with first World Cup goal | Football news

England’s Declan Rice (4) celebrates scoring his first goal during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Declan Rice etched his name into England and FIFA World Cup history after scoring the fastest goal of his international career during England’s remarkable 6-4 win over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off.The England captain struck after just 2 minutes 14 seconds in Miami to score his first World Cup goal, setting the tone for one of the most extraordinary games in the tournament’s history. The early strike helped propel England towards their highest World Cup finish since 1966 and also earned Rice a place on several exclusive historic lists.His goal wasn’t important just because he opened the scoring. He also became one of the fastest ever recorded in the play-off for third place in the World Championship.

Fastest goals in third-place playoff history

According to statistics compiled by MisterChip, Rice’s first goal is the third-fastest scored in a FIFA World Cup third-place match.Only two players hit the net faster 😕

Şükür’s goal remains the fastest goal in FIFA World Cup history across all stages of the tournament.More than 90 years after Lehner’s effort in Italy, Rice has now joined that exclusive list with England’s first breakthrough in the World Cup bronze medal match.

England’s earliest goal in a major tournament in years

Rice’s goal also represented England’s fastest goal in a competitive international since Luke Shaw scored after 1 minute 57 seconds against Italy in the UEFA Euro 2020 final.Wearing the captain’s armband, Rice latched on to the ball outside the box before curling a precise low finish past Mike Maignan to give England the perfect start.

England’s Declan Rice (4) scores his first goal as France’s Malo Gusto (2) and Desire Doue (20) defend during the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, July 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

It was also the midfielder’s first World Cup goal after previously playing supporting roles during England’s recent tournament campaigns.

Complete performance in midfield

Rice’s influence didn’t end with the opener. Fifteen minutes later, he took a great corner kick that Ezri Konsa put into the net to double England’s lead.That assist gave Rice another significant milestone.According to Opti, he became the first English player since David Beckham at the 2002 World Cup to register two assists directly from corners during a single World Cup tournament.Rice’s first corner assist of the competition came in England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in the group stage, where he headed in Harry Kane from a set-piece. Beckham achieved the same feat in Korea and Japan by setting up goals for Sol Campbell against Sweden in the group stage and Rio Ferdinand against Denmark in the Round of 16. Twenty-four years later, Rice equaled that achievement.

Rice also became only the sixth English player to score and assist in the same FIFA World Cup game.The exclusive list now includes:

His contribution proved decisive as England went 4-0 up at half-time before eventually overcoming a spirited French comeback to win 6-4.

Arsenal history and England’s best finish in decades

Rice also helped Arsenal achieve another unusual piece of World Cup history.Along with Bukaya Saka, who scored a hat-trick against France, the pair became only the second Arsenal duo to score in the same Men’s World Cup match.The first were Dutch team-mates Marc Overmars and Dennis Bergkamp, ​​who both scored against South Korea during the group stage of the 1998 World Cup in Marseille shortly after helping Arsenal win the home leg.For Rice, however, individual records were less important than team achievement.His first World Cup goal helped England win the bronze medal after a thrilling 10-goal campaign, ending the tournament on a high after their semi-final defeat to Argentina.In an unforgettable afternoon, Rice not only celebrated his first goal on football’s biggest stage, but also joined several of England’s most esteemed clubs, producing a performance that will go down as the best of his international career.