England will take on France in the World Cup third-place play-off tonight, July 18, 2026, after their semi-final defeat to Argentina on Wednesday night. The match offers a chance for redemption after England's 2-1 loss to Argentina, while France were beaten by Portugal in the other semi-final.
Kick-Off Time and Venue
The third-place play-off kicks off at 8:00 PM BST at the Estádio do Dragão in Porto, Portugal. The match will determine the bronze medal winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
How to Watch on TV and Live Stream
In the UK, the match will be broadcast live on ITV1 and STV. Fans can also stream the game via ITVX and STV Player. Coverage begins at 7:00 PM BST with pre-match analysis.
Team News
England manager Gareth Southgate is expected to make several changes to the starting lineup after the semi-final loss. Captain Harry Kane is likely to start despite a minor knock, while France will be without the suspended Antoine Griezmann. Kylian Mbappé is expected to lead the French attack.
Previous Encounters
England and France have met twice in World Cup history, with France winning 3-1 in the quarter-finals in 2022 and England winning 2-0 in the group stage in 1966. Their most recent meeting was a friendly in 2024, which ended 1-1.
What's at Stake
The third-place play-off is often seen as a consolation, but both teams will be eager to finish the tournament on a high note. England are aiming for their best World Cup finish since 1966, while France are looking to secure a second consecutive top-three finish after winning the 2018 tournament.
