Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane will lead their teams as France and England battle for third place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup may be ending without the trophy either side craved, but France and England still have one final mission as they meet in the third-place playoff. After heartbreaking semi-final defeats, both nations will be eager to finish the tournament on a positive note and head home with a medal.
France’s hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final were ended by a 2-0 defeat to Spain, a game in which Didier Deschamps’ side struggled to match La Roja’s control in midfield. England, meanwhile, were left devastated after surrendering a second-half lead in a dramatic 2-1 defeat to Argentina, with Thomas Tuchel facing criticism for his conservative tactical approach.
Although third-place playoffs often lack the intensity of a final, there is still plenty at stake. France are looking to give Deschamps a winning farewell before he steps down as manager after the tournament, while England are aiming to avoid consecutive defeats and provide Tuchel with at least a respectable finish to his first major tournament in charge.
Two fixtures remaining…#FIFAWorldCup pic.twitter.com/MIgkZPB4Jm
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) July 15, 2026
The game could also present opportunities for squad rotation. Both coaches may hand starts to players who have featured sparingly throughout the competition, while others carrying minor knocks could be rested ahead of the new club season. Despite the expected changes, there is enough quality on both sides to produce an entertaining encounter.
France will once again look to Kylian Mbappe for inspiration after the Real Madrid forward finished as one of the tournament’s standout performers. England’s hopes are likely to rest on Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane if they start, although Tuchel may choose to give minutes to Marcus Rashford, or Ivan Toney after their cameos in the semi-final.
Team News
Aurélien Tchouaméni is expected to remain available after recovering from the hamstring issue that forced him to miss earlier knockout matches, although Didier Deschamps could rotate heavily with this being his final game in charge.
Kylian Mbappe is expected to feature despite nursing a minor ankle problem during the latter stages of the tournament. Warren Zaire-Emery, Bradley Barcola and Eduardo Camavinga are among those pushing for starts.
Thomas Tuchel could make several changes after England’s semi-final defeat to Argentina. There are no major new injury concerns, although Tuchel may rest players who have accumulated heavy minutes throughout the competition.
Predicted XIs
France Predicted XI
Maignan; Kounde, Konate, Lacroix, T. Hernandez; Kone, Zaire-Emery; Cherki, Olise, Doue; Mbappe
England Predicted XI
Pickford; Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O’Reilly; Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon; Kane
Score Prediction
France 2-1 England
