Looking for the best bet builder tips for the World Cup third place playoff? We’ve got your back with this 15/2 Bet Builder ahead of France vs England.
France and England will meet to determine who will finish third at the 2026 World Cup Final on Saturday 18th July, with kick-off scheduled for 10:00pm (UK time) at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
France to win
France have been one of the most dominant sides at this World Cup and their tournament stats make a compelling case for them to sign off with a victory. Les Bleus have scored 16 goals across their seven matches – an average of 2.29 per game – while conceding just four, keeping four clean sheets along the way. They’ve controlled possession at 57.1% on average, created 17 big chances, and racked up a staggering 120 shots across the tournament.
Their only defeat came against Spain in the semi-final, who are of course now contesting the final themselves. England, by contrast, have leaked eight goals in their seven games and kept only two clean sheets. France’s attacking quality is a clear step above what England’s defence has faced in recent rounds, and with Deschamps’ side eager to bounce back from their semi-final disappointment, expect them to come out firing in what is effectively a pride match for two heavyweight nations.
Over 2.5 Goals
This has all the makings of an open, high-scoring affair. France have averaged 2.29 goals per game at this tournament while England sit at 2.0 – a combined average of over four goals per match between them. The majority of both sides’ games have cleared the 2.5 line, with France hitting it in four of their seven matches and England in at least five of seven, including every knockout round game bar their semi-final loss.
England have conceded eight goals in seven matches and kept only two clean sheets, so they’re very much gettable at the back. Meanwhile, France have fired 120 shots in the tournament (over 17 per game) with 50 on target, so the chances will keep coming. Third-place play-offs historically tend to be more open, with both teams freed from the pressure of needing to be cautious. Neither side has anything left to lose here, and that should translate into goals at both ends.
Michael Olise to score or assist
Olise has been France’s creative heartbeat at this World Cup and the stats back it up emphatically. The Bayern Munich man has registered five assists across his seven tournament appearances – all from open play – meaning he’s provided a direct goal contribution in the majority of France’s matches. He’s also created 14 key passes and five big chances, comfortably making him one of the most dangerous playmakers in the competition.
What makes this bet even more appealing is that Olise is overdue a goal of his own. He’s fired 17 shots with an expected goals figure of 1.73, and he’s hit the woodwork twice – he’s been unlucky not to find the net. Against an England defence that has conceded eight goals this tournament, there’s every chance he finally adds a goal to his already impressive assist tally. Whether it’s a goal or an assist, Olise has shown he’s almost always involved when France score.
Bradley Barcola 2+ shots on target
Barcola has been a constant outlet on France’s left flank throughout this tournament, and his direct, shot-first instinct makes him a strong candidate to land two or more on target. France as a team have averaged over 17 shots per game in this World Cup, putting 50 on target across their seven matches – that’s over seven on target per match. As one of their primary attacking weapons, Barcola gets a healthy share of those opportunities.
The PSG winger’s pace and willingness to cut inside onto his favoured left foot make him a persistent threat – France have fired 49 left-footed shots in the tournament, highlighting just how much damage they do from that side. Against an England backline that has faced 48 shots conceded from inside the box across the tournament, Barcola should find the shooting positions he thrives in. With nothing to lose in a third-place play-off, expect him to back himself whenever the chance arises.
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