France vs England takes place today, Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium, in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff. Both teams arrive disappointed after narrow semi-final exits but still have one final chance to finish their campaigns on a high note and claim bronze medals.
France were edged out by Spain in a tight semi-final, while England fell to Argentina in another dramatic encounter. This match offers both sides the opportunity to end the tournament with a victory and some much-needed pride.
Both heavyweights are carrying the weight of sudden semi-final collapses. France’s rock-solid defense was uncharacteristically picked apart in a 2-0 loss to Spain.
England suffered a much more agonizing exit against Argentina, leading until the 85th minute before conceding a stoppage-time heartbreak to lose 2-1.
The final chapter for Deschamps is here, as this match closes out his remarkable 14-year run as France’s manager. The team is fired up to clinch a bronze medal as a farewell gift to their iconic coach.
Historically, third-place matches shed the tight, rigid tactical setups of the knockout rounds. With nothing left to lose, teams play with far more attacking freedom, which usually signals a high-scoring affair.
France vs England Match Details – 2026 World Cup Third-Place Match
Match Details
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 – Third-Place Match
- Date & Time: Saturday, July 18, 2026 | 3:00 PM ET
- Venue: Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium
- Referee: Jesús Valenzuela
France Preview & Team News
Didier Deschamps’ side have been clinical and well-organized throughout the tournament. Even after the semi-final defeat, they remain one of the strongest squads left and will be highly motivated to finish third.
Key Strengths:
- World-class attacking quality led by Kylian Mbappé.
- Strong midfield balance and defensive structure.
- Experience in big matches and set-piece threat.
Team News:
France is close to full strength. Kylian Mbappé is fully fit and expected to start. William Saliba and Jules Koundé form a solid defensive pairing. No major new injury concerns.
Predicted France Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé, William Saliba, Dayot Upamecano, Theo Hernández; Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga; Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Bradley Barcola; Marcus Thuram.
England Preview & Team News
Thomas Tuchel’s England have shown quality and resilience in the knockout stages. They will be eager to bounce back from the semi-final disappointment and end the tournament with a win.
Key Strengths:
- Clinical finishing from Harry Kane.
- Creative threat of Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden.
- Solid defensive organization and set-piece ability.
Team News:
England are largely fit. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are expected to start. Phil Foden has been in good form. The squad has depth and no major absences.
Predicted England Starting XI (4-2-3-1):
Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Luke Shaw; Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer; Harry Kane.
Key Battles to Watch
- Kylian Mbappé vs England’s full-backs — Can Mbappé find space and create danger?
- Jude Bellingham vs France’s midfield — The battle for control in the center of the pitch.
- Harry Kane vs France’s center-backs — Kane’s movement and finishing will be crucial.
- Transitions and set pieces — Both teams are strong in these areas.
Match Prediction: France 2-1 England
France have looked slightly more consistent and clinical throughout the knockout stages. With Mbappé in this form and a well-balanced squad, they should have enough quality to edge a competitive game.
England will make it difficult and are more than capable of scoring through Kane or Bellingham. However, France’s superior depth and experience in these types of matches should see them claim third place.
- Most likely scoreline: France 2-1 England
France vs England Recent Games Performance
France Recent Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jul 15 | vs Spain | L 1-2 |
| Sun, Jul 12 | vs Morocco | W 2-1 |
| Sat, Jul 4 | vs Paraguay | W 3-1 |
| Tue, Jun 30 | vs Sweden | W 3-0 |
England Recent Games
| Date | Opponent | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Wed, Jul 15 | vs Argentina | L 1-2 |
| Sat, Jul 11 | vs Norway | W 2-1 |
| Tue, Jul 7 | vs Spain | W 2-1 |
| Fri, Jul 3 | vs Austria | W 3-0 |
Where is the Venue of the France vs England 2026 World Cup Third-Place match?
AT&T Stadium, Arlington
AT&T Stadium offers one of the best atmospheres in the tournament. With its massive screens, modern facilities, and large capacity, it provides a fitting stage for this third-place clash. Expect strong support from both French and English fans mixed with local American soccer enthusiasts
How to Watch France vs England in the USA & Canada
To watch the FIFA World Cup 2026 match between France and England live in the United States, you can tune in to the English broadcast on FOX or stream it live via the FOX Sports App, Fubo, or Sling TV.
- English: FOX or FS1
- Spanish: Telemundo / Universo
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV
Final Thoughts
This is a high-quality matchup between two strong European sides looking to finish the tournament on a positive note. France are slight favorites, but England have the individual quality to make it very competitive.
Will Kylian Mbappé lead France to bronze medals, or can Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham inspire England to a winning end?
