Third-Place Match: A Peculiar Contest
The World Cup third-place game is perhaps the most peculiar match in world soccer. It is the match nobody truly wants to play in. In other sports, a bronze medal is worth celebrating; in soccer, it serves as a reminder of how a place in the World Cup final slipped through the fingers of the two teams involved.
Nevertheless, England and France will face off in Miami on Saturday, 18 July, at Hard Rock Stadium. The match will determine which team finishes third at the 2026 World Cup. For both sides, it is an opportunity to end the summer on a high note after semi-final disappointments.
How to Watch France vs England
Kick-off is set for 5pm ET. In the United States, the match will be broadcast on Fox and Telemundo, with streaming available on Fubo. Canadian viewers can watch on TSN, while the BBC One will show the game in the United Kingdom. In Australia, SBS will provide coverage.
Team News and Tactical Outlook
France's World Cup challenge came to an abrupt halt as they were held at arm's length by Spain in the semi-finals. Didier Deschamps' lack of midfield balance cost Les Bleus, and it could also be an issue against England if Thomas Tuchel sets up his team to play with a three-man midfield, as he has in most games at this tournament.
Both managers may be tempted to rotate their squads, giving minutes to players who have been on the periphery. Kobbie Mainoo could finally see game time for England, if Tuchel remembers he called up the Manchester United midfielder. The Florida humidity may also dictate a low-energy contest.
Player to Watch: Kylian Mbappé
Kylian Mbappé is tied with Lionel Messi for the tournament high with eight goals and could still head home with the Golden Boot. The Real Madrid forward has been in devastating form this summer and could sign off with one last performance to remember. If France can rediscover the attacking verve that carried them to the semi-finals, they may have too much for the Three Lions.
According to the match preview, France's attacking strength, led by Mbappé, could be decisive. England will need to counter effectively to secure third place.
