After heartbreaking World Cup semifinal losses earlier in the week, France and England trudge into the consolation match in Miami, a game for a bronze-medal that both teams openly acknowledge “nobody wants to be in.”
The weather is expected to be brutal in South Florida, with a heat index of higher than 95 degrees forecast for kickoff at 5 p.m. ET and both teams are expected to make some major lineup changes.
But France star Kylian Mbappe is tied for the 2026 World Cup lead with eight goals – and is one behind Lionel Messi for the career record – and will likely play some meaningful minutes to end the tournament on a high note.
“Nobody wants to be in this game,” England manager Thomas Tuchel said. “All of these four teams wanted to be in New York, but it is an official World Cup game.”
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It also marks the last match for France boss Didier Deschamps, who is departing after a historic 14-year run that included a World Cup title in 2018.
“We want to pay back our coach,” France defender Ibrahima Konate said. “He did so much for the France team. We must be grateful to him for that and we need to do everything we can to win this game.”
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Where to watch England vs France game
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The matchup kicks off at 5 p.m. ET.
Where is England vs France game?
The third-place match is being held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
Seth Vertelney: France 3-1 England
Third-place games are typically pretty open, which should benefit a France side that surprisingly saw its attack stifled against Spain.
Jon Arnold: France 2-1 England
Nobody wants to be there, but with many of the depth players getting opportunities this could be a more lively game than expected. I’m ready for Rayan Cherki and Kobbie Mainoo to strut their stuff.
Jesse Yomtov: France 3 – 0 England
We’ll all have fun watching Rayan Cherki. And some more Désiré Doué. And N’Golo Kanté could get a final send-off. Why does this game exist again?
Victoria Hernandez: France 1 – 2 England
I’m never afraid to be the odd one out. I think France’s loss to Spain was way more deflating than England’s to defending champion Argentina. It’s not coming home, but the pride points simply mean more to the Three Lions.
Lineups will be announced approximately an hour before kickoff
Full rosters for 2026 World Cup teams
Lineups will be announced approximately an hour before kickoff
According to AccuWeather as of July 17 at 8 a.m., a high of 93 degrees is expected for July 18, though it’ll feel like 104 degrees outside. The weather will consist of “sunny spells with a thunderstorm,” and the “lightning from nearby storms may impact the soccer match.”
- Referee: Jesus Valenzuela
- Assistant Referees: Jorde Urrego, Tulio Morena
- 4th official: Jalal Jayed
- Reserve assistant referee: Zakaria Brinsi
France’s Kylian Mbappe plays his club soccer for Real Madrid.
- 2022: Argentina 🇦🇷
- 2018: France 🇫🇷
- 2014: Germany 🇩🇪
- 2010: Spain 🇪🇸
- 2006: Italy 🇮🇹
- 2002: Brazil 🇧🇷
- 1998: France 🇫🇷
- 1994: Brazil 🇧🇷
- 1990: West Germany
- 1986: Argentina 🇦🇷
- 1982: Italy 🇮🇹
- 1978: Argentina 🇦🇷
- 1974: West Germany
- 1970: Brazil 🇧🇷
- 1966: England 🏴
- 1962: Brazil 🇧🇷
- 1958: Brazil 🇧🇷
- 1954: West Germany
- 1950: Uruguay 🇺🇾
- 1938: Italy
- 1934: Italy
- 1930: Uruguay 🇺🇾
The England-France third-place match kicks off at 2 p.m. Pacific Time.
Entering the third-place match, France’s Kylian Mbappe has eight goals at the 2026 World Cup, tied for the lead with Argentina’s Lionel Messi. Mbappe, 27, now has 20 career World Cup goals, one behind Messi on the all-time list.
Saturday’s match is being played at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida.
England won its only World Cup title in 1966, and has lost twice in the third-place game since then (1990 and 2018).
Round of 16
- July 4: France def Paraguay – Philadelphia
- July 4: Morocco def Canada – Houston
- July 5: Norway def Brazil – East Rutherford
- July 5: England def Mexico – Mexico City
- July 6: Spain def Portugal – Arlington
- July 6: Belgium def USA – Seattle
- July 7: Argentina def Egypt – Atlanta
- July 7: Switzerland def Colombia – Vancouver
Quarterfinals
- July 9: France def Morocco – Foxborough
- July 10: Spain def Belgium – Inglewood
- July 11: England def England – Miami
- July 11: Argentina def Switzerland – Kansas City
Semifinals
- July 14: Spain def France – Arlington
- July 15: Argentina def England – Atlanta
Final
- July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey
France star Ousmane Dembele plays for Paris Saint-Germain.
The 2030 World Cup will be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco – with Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay all hosting one match to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first-ever World Cup.
France has two World Cup championships: 1998 and 2018.
