Bukayo Saka Reveals World Cup Regret After Hat-Trick Heroics

Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick in England’s 6-4 win over France in the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff but admitted he wished he had played more in the tournament. The Arsenal winger started the match in Miami just three days after being unused in the semi-final defeat to Argentina.

What happened at the World Cup?

Saka played in seven of England’s eight games, starting three. He was rotated by head coach Thomas Tuchel, who managed an Achilles issue. Noni Madueke and Morgan Rogers were preferred on the right wing in some matches. Saka’s hat-trick against France capped a strong personal finish, but England’s semi-final loss to Argentina left a bitter taste.

Why did Saka feel he could have contributed more?

The 24-year-old insisted he was fit and ready to play more. “I would have loved to have played a bigger part,” he told the BBC. “I try to do my talking on the pitch. I’m fit.” Saka’s limited minutes came despite his importance to England’s attack, raising questions about Tuchel’s tactics.

What’s next for Saka and England?

England finished third, their best World Cup result since 1966. Saka said the team must move on from the Argentina defeat. “We fell short against Argentina and it hurts a lot,” he added. “We have to hold our head high and move on to the next one.” Tuchel’s future remains uncertain after criticism of his semi-final approach.