Tournament: Fifa World Cup 2026
Stage: Third Place Playoffs – Bronze Final
Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida
Kick Off: 5pm ET / 10pm BST
Lets Get Started
France vs England will be facing each other for the 3rd place, neither France nor England wanted to be here. Both came to this World Cup to win it. France wanted a third world title.
England wanted to end 60 years of hurt. Neither happened. Instead they meet in Miami on Saturday in the game nobody asks for but everybody ends up watching the third place playoff.
But there are real stakes on the line that make this much more than just a consolation match.
How Both Teams Got Here
France dominated this tournament from start to finish until Spain stopped them cold in the semi finals.
They beat Senegal, Iraq, and thrashed Norway 4-1 in the group stage. They then swept past Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco in the knockout rounds.
Then came Spain and a 2-0 defeat that left the whole French camp stunned. It was their worst attacking performance in 60 years with just 0.3 xG against La Roja.
England had the most dramatic journey of anyone left in this tournament. Three comeback wins in three knockout games.
They beat Mexico 3-2 at the Azteca with ten men. They came from behind to beat Norway after extra time in the quarter finals.
Then Argentina broke their hearts in the semi finals with Lautaro Martinez scoring a late winner to make it 2-1 after Anthony Gordon had given England the lead. So close. So painful.
Head to Head
France have the better recent record. England have won just one of their last nine games against France.
Their last World Cup meeting came in 2022 when France won 2-1 in the quarter finals.
But Saturday is a fresh game on a neutral ground and England have shown they can beat anyone at this tournament.
Players to Watch
Kylian Mbappe – France
is on eight goals and is level with Messi in the Golden Boot race but behind on assists.
Messi plays in the final the following day. If Mbappe scores on Saturday and Messi does not in the final the Golden Boot is his. That motivation alone makes him the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Harry Kane – England
is on six goals and is playing his last World Cup at 32. He has scored in every knockout round and will want to end this tournament with a bang.
Jude Bellingham – England
is also on six goals and has been the most exciting player of England’s entire campaign. At just 22 he has announced himself to the world at this tournament.
Match Facts at a Glance
|
Factor |
France |
England |
|
Stage |
Third Place Playoff | Third Place Playoff |
|
Semi Final Exit |
Lost to Spain 2-0 |
Lost to Argentina 2-1 |
|
Top Scorer |
Mbappe — 8 goals | Kane and Bellingham — 6 goals each |
|
World Cup Titles |
2 |
1 |
| Last World Cup Meeting | Won 2-1 in 2022 |
Lost 2-1 in 2022 |
|
Head to Head Last 9 |
Won 6 Drew 2 Lost 1 | Won 1 Drew 2 Lost 6 |
| Kick Off | Saturday 5pm ET |
Saturday 10pm BST |
|
Venue |
Miami Stadium Florida |
Miami Stadium Florida |
How to Watch
USA: Fox Sports — Telemundo and Peacock in Spanish
UK: ITV1 and ITVX — Free to watch
Our Predictions
Both teams have genuine reasons to perform. Mbappe wants the Golden Boot. Kane wants one last big moment.
France want to honour their departing manager Didier Deschamps in his final game in charge.
England wants third place and their best World Cup finish in 60 years.
Goals are coming. From both sides.
- France to win the match
- Both teams to score — Yes
- Over 2.5 goals
- Kylian Mbappe to score at any time
- Harry Kane to score at any time
