The stage is set for an exciting face-off as France and England vie for the bronze medal in the 2026 World Cup. This match is scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at 9:00 PM UTC (5:00 PM Cuba time), taking place at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, according to the official tournament schedule.
Both teams are entering this match after being defeated in the semifinals. France was bested by Spain with a decisive 0-2 loss on July 14 at the AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, with goals from Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. England, meanwhile, was ousted by Argentina this past Tuesday at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta.
Path to the Third-Place Match
France emerged as the dominant force in the group stage, finishing at the top of Group I with nine points, scoring ten goals while conceding only two, resulting in a +8 goal difference. They triumphed over Senegal (3-1), Iraq (3-0), and Norway (4-1). In the knockout rounds, the French team defeated Sweden (3-0), Paraguay (1-0), and Morocco (2-0) before encountering Spain.
Kylian Mbappé has been a standout performer for France, netting eight goals in the tournament, tying with Messi as the top scorer of the 2026 World Cup. However, he did not score in the semifinal against Spain and received a yellow card in the 86th minute.
In contrast, England had a more turbulent journey, finishing first in Group L with seven points (six goals for, two against), securing victories over Croatia (4-2) and Panama (2-0), and drawing with Ghana (0-0). In the knockout stage, they edged past RD Congo (2-1), Mexico (3-2 at Estadio Azteca), and Norway in extra time (2-1), thanks to a double from Jude Bellingham in the 45th and 93rd minutes, earning England its first World Cup semifinal appearance since 1990.
Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have each scored six goals in the tournament, marking the first time in World Cup history that a duo has surpassed this tally in the same tournament.
The most recent World Cup encounter between these two teams was in Qatar 2022, where France knocked out England in the quarterfinals with a 2-1 win, featuring goals by Tchouaméni and Giroud, while Kane missed a crucial penalty in stoppage time.
The Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, having already hosted England's quarterfinal against Norway, is a familiar venue for the English team. The winner of this match will claim the bronze medal and officially secure third place in the tournament standings, as Spain and Argentina are set to compete for the championship on July 19 at the MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Frequently Asked Questions about the 2026 World Cup Third-Place Match
When and where is the third-place match between France and England?
The third-place match will take place on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 9:00 PM UTC at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
How did France reach the third-place match?
France reached the third-place match after being eliminated by Spain in the semifinals. They had previously topped Group I and defeated Sweden, Paraguay, and Morocco in the knockout stages.
What was England's path to the third-place match?
England advanced to the third-place match following a semifinal loss to Argentina. They finished first in Group L and overcame RD Congo, Mexico, and Norway in the knockout rounds.
Who are the standout players for France and England?
Kylian Mbappé has been a key player for France, scoring eight goals. For England, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have each scored six goals, setting a historic record as a duo.