France vs England World Cup Third-Place Preview: Mbappe and Kane Lead Two Fallen Contenders

France and England play for third place at the FIFA World Cup 2026 on July 18 at Miami Stadium, after both were knocked out in the semi-finals. France lost 2-0 to Spain, while England lost 2-1 to Argentina after leading for most of the match.

Both sides came into the tournament as genuine title contenders, which makes this an unusual third-place match. Before their semi-final loss, France had won all six games at this World Cup, scoring 16 goals and conceding just 2. England went five wins and a draw before falling to Argentina.

Kylian Mbappe is the tournament's top scorer with eight goals, level with Messi. He'll lead a France side that has struggled to find its usual rhythm in midfield since the semi-final defeat. For England, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have each scored six goals this tournament, with a brace apiece along the way. Kane was left frustrated after the Argentina loss, saying England sat too deep after taking the lead.

The third-place match has been part of the World Cup since 1934. Neither side will be lifting the trophy this year, but both will be looking to end their campaign on a high, just a day before the final is played in New York.