The 2026 World Cup 3rd Place Match playoff is here! France and England will battle for bronze at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami today. After thrilling semifinal runs, both teams missed the final but now have one last chance to end their tournament on a high note.
Didier Deschamps will lead France for the last time following their 2-0 loss to Spain in the first semi-final.
England, meanwhile, are hoping to wrap up their World Cup on a high after letting a late lead slip in their 2-1 loss to Argentina the following day.
Who Is In and Who Is Out in the 2026 World Cup 3rd Place Match?
France and England are the two teams fighting for third place after losing their respective semifinals. Spain and Argentina advanced to the final on Sunday. This match may feel like a consolation game to some, but a podium finish and bronze medal still carry huge pride for players and fans.
Who Is In (Starting XI Lineups)
Despite both squads expressing mutual frustration over having to play the “Bronze Final”, major superstars are confirmed to participate as they chase individual accolades like the Golden Boot.
- France (4-2-3-1): Mike Maignan; Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konaté, Maxence Lacroix, Théo Hernandez; N’Golo Kanté, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Dilane Bakwa/Rayane Cherki, Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé; Kylian Mbappé.
- England (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence, John Stones, Marc Guéhi, Leny Yoro/O’Reilly; Elliot Anderson, Declan Rice; Morgan Rogers, Jude Bellingham, Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.
Who Is Out (Absences & Definite Cuts)
- William Saliba (France): The French center-back is explicitly listed as unavailable for the match.
- Didier Deschamps’ Regular Starting XI: Manager Didier Deschamps confirmed he will heavily rotate his roster. Standard tournament locks like Jules Koundé and Antoine Griezmann are expected to sit or start on the bench to give breakthrough squad players a run.
- Thomas Tuchel’s Conservative Strategy: On the English side, manager Thomas Tuchel is expected to switch out tired legs from the grueling semifinal, meaning heavy squad rotation among the midfielders and wingers.
France Team Review & Preview
France have been one of the most dominant sides at the 2026 World Cup. They reached the semifinals unbeaten and delivered a strong performance against top competition. Kylian Mbappé has been the star of the show with a tournament-high goal tally, while the defense has remained solid throughout.
Key Strengths: Clinical finishing, squad depth, and experience in big matches. Even without the trophy, France have shown why they were pre-tournament favorites.
What to Expect: France will likely push for an attacking display to sign off with a win. Mbappé and teammates will be motivated to claim third place.
France enter this match looking to bounce back and secure a positive end to their campaign.
England Team Review & Preview
England produced several memorable moments on their way to the semifinals, including a dramatic extra-time win over Norway. Jude Bellingham has been outstanding in midfield, and Harry Kane remains a constant goal threat.
Key Strengths: Attacking flair, set-piece delivery, and the ability to fight until the final whistle.
What to Expect: England will want to show their quality one more time. A bronze medal would be a strong achievement for this young and talented squad.
England will be determined to finish the tournament on a winning note against a tough French side.
Match Prediction & Key Stats
This promises to be an open and entertaining game between two attacking teams. France are slight favorites due to their consistency and Mbappé’s form, but England’s midfield creativity makes this matchup very even.
- Predicted Score: France 2-1 England (or penalties).
Where to Watch 2026 World Cup 3rd Place Match
Live on FOX (US), with streaming options available. Kick-off is at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. local time in Miami.
- TV channel: Fox, Telemundo (Spanish)
- Live stream: Fox One, Peacock (Spanish)
What should we expect from France today?
The 2026 World Cup third-place match between France and England is more than just a consolation game — it’s a chance for both teams to celebrate their achievements and give fans one final memorable performance. Who do you think will take home bronze?
When is the France vs England 2026 World Cup 3rd Place Match?
Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 5 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami.
Who is playing for third place in the 2026 World Cup?
France and England.
Why does the third-place match matter?
It determines the final podium positions and gives teams a chance to end the tournament with a win and a bronze medal.
