France and England meet in the 2026 World Cup third-place play-off at Miami Stadium on Saturday, July 18 at 5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CT / 2:00 PM PT — two beaten semi-finalists playing for the bronze medal a day before Spain and Argentina contest the final.
France were arguably the tournament’s most complete side until Spain shut them out 2-0 in the last four; England edged Norway in extra time before Argentina beat them 2-1. Neither will want to be here, but there is a real prize on the line: Kylian Mbappe is level with Lionel Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race on eight goals, and with Messi playing in Sunday’s final, this is Mbappe’s last chance to add to his total.
France vs England: Best Bets & Predictions
Two beaten semi-finalists meet for the bronze medal. France are the stronger side on paper, but the real subplot is Mbappe chasing the Golden Boot — and play-offs like this rarely stay quiet.
Our approach: France to win, Mbappe anytime for the Golden Boot chase, and lean towards goals in an open bronze-medal match.
Odds correct at time of writing. 19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC). Please play responsibly. ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON).
World Cup Form & Route to the Play-Off
France topped their group and rolled through the bracket — 3-1 Senegal, 3-0 Iraq, 4-1 Norway, then 3-0 Sweden, 1-0 Paraguay and 2-0 Morocco — before Spain ended their run with a 2-0 semi-final win. Sixteen goals scored and, until the semi, a defence that had conceded just twice.
England took a bumpier road: a 4-2 win over Croatia, a goalless draw with Ghana and a 2-0 win over Panama in the group, then 2-1 past Congo DR, 3-2 at Mexico and 2-1 after extra time against Norway to reach the last four, where Argentina beat them 2-1. Fourteen goals scored, but eight conceded — a side that has entertained more than it has controlled.
France
Recent Form
Every match on each side’s run to the semi-finals, home team first.
| Round | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group | France vs Senegal | 3-1 |
| Group | France vs Iraq | 3-0 |
| Group | Norway vs France | 1-4 |
| Round of 32 | France vs Sweden | 3-0 |
| Round of 16 | Paraguay vs France | 0-1 |
| Quarter-final | France vs Morocco | 2-0 |
| Semi-final | France vs Spain | 0-2 |
England’s route was tighter, and needed extra time to get past Norway:
| Round | Match | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Group | England vs Croatia | 4-2 |
| Group | England vs Ghana | 0-0 |
| Group | Panama vs England | 0-2 |
| Round of 32 | England vs Congo DR | 2-1 |
| Round of 16 | Mexico vs England | 2-3 |
| Quarter-final | Norway vs England | 1-2 (AET) |
| Semi-final | England vs Argentina | 1-2 |
France vs England Predicted Lineups
Based on each side's semi-final XI; managers often rotate for the third-place play-off.
France
4-2-3-1
England
4-2-3-1Potential Match-Winners
Kylian Mbappe (France): eight goals and joint-top of the Golden Boot race. With the award on the line and Messi already through to the final, expect Mbappe to play and to chase it.
Ousmane Dembele (France): five goals from the right of France’s front three, the creator-finisher who has been Mbappe’s most reliable support act all tournament.
Harry Kane (England): six goals, England’s captain and penalty-box constant — and, like Mbappe, with a Golden Boot incentive to finish strongly.
Jude Bellingham (England): six goals from midfield, the driver of England’s best moments and the man most likely to decide a loose, open game.
France vs England Prediction
Third-place play-offs are open, high-scoring affairs, and this one has two of the tournament’s sharpest attacks plus a live Golden Boot subplot. Our prediction: France 2-1 England, in a game with goals at both ends. Our model makes France 57% favourites, and with Mbappe motivated to catch Messi, France’s edge in quality should just about tell. Take France to win, Mbappe anytime, and lean to Over 2.5 goals. New to betting? Start with our pick of the best betting sites in Canada.
Third-Place Play-Off: Date, Venue & How to Watch
The 2026 World Cup third-place play-off is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Miami Stadium (5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CT / 3:00 PM MT / 2:00 PM PT), the day before the final. FIFA uses the name “Miami Stadium” during the tournament for sponsorship reasons; the venue is Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins. In Canada, the tournament is carried by TSN and RDS (French), so the play-off will air on those platforms — check your local listings closer to kick-off. Our full 2026 World Cup schedule and standings track every remaining kick.
France vs England play-off FAQ
France vs England is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, 2026, the day before the final.
Miami Stadium — the tournament name for Hard Rock Stadium — in Miami, Florida.
Kick-off is 5:00 PM ET / 4:00 PM CT / 3:00 PM MT / 2:00 PM PT.
The match airs on TSN (English) and RDS (French); check your local listings closer to kick-off.
Yes. Kylian Mbappe is level with Lionel Messi on eight goals; the play-off is his final chance to add to his tally before Messi plays in Sunday’s final.
19+ (18+ in AB/MB/QC) | Please play responsibly | ConnexOntario: 1-866-531-2600 (ON) — see your province’s helpline for resources elsewhere.