They wanted the final, yes they find themselves playing for third place. France and England They arrive at the "final" of the 2026 World Cup with the mood of those who would have preferred to be elsewhere already. The match in Miami, scheduled today at the Hard Rock Stadium at 17pm local time, the 23 in Italy, will award the bronze, but it will hardly erase the disappointment of two national teams built to go all the way.
On one hand there are the blue, overwhelmed by Spain in the semifinals and still searching for explanations after a performance far below expectations; on the other hand, there are the Three Lions, eliminated by Argentina after taking the lead and choosing, in the final stages, an overly cautious approach that left the field open to Messi and his teammates. Two different defeats, but with the same effect: changing rooms in a state of flutter, little desire to immediately return to the pitch and the feeling of a huge opportunity slipping away.
For France and also the last game of the long cycle of Didier Deschamps, set to step down after fourteen years as coach. The coach doesn't want to end the season with another defeat and will try to find motivation in a group still reeling from the 2-0 defeat against Spain. The question is how much mental energy is left. Some players could take a breather, others could get a chance after having barely played in the tournament. In this sense, the final could also become a handover before the start of a new cycle. England It arrives with more regrets than enthusiasm. Thomas Tuchel's team was minutes away from the final, leading 1-0 against Argentina thanks to Anthony Gordon's goal. Then came the final collapse: Enzo Fernández in the 85th minute and Lautaro Martínez in the 92nd minute, both set up by Messi, overturned the semifinal and left the Three Lions with yet another World Cup disappointment. It wasn't just the elimination that weighed heavily, but the manner in which it happened: England dropped too low, stopped playing, and ended up succumbing to Argentina's pressure.
Mbappé-Kane, the challenge within the challenge
The only real reason for interest, at least on an individual level, remains the race for the top scorers' throne. Mbappé starts from 8 goals, paired with Messi, who is currently ahead thanks to the assists provided. The final therefore offers the French captain the chance to overtake the Argentine number 10 before the final between Spain and Argentina. For the French striker it would be an important personal recognition in a World Cup, as well as the second consecutive golden shoe in the most important competitions. Kane e Bellingham, however, are chasing at 6 points: to truly reopen the race, a special evening would be needed, more than a simple consolation match.
Much will also depend on the choices of the two coachesDeschamps could give space to those who have played less, including youngsters and alternatives who have been on the sidelines of the tournament. Tuchel, likewise, could make several changes from the semifinal, also to revitalize a team that appeared exhausted towards the end against Argentina. The presence of the big names, however, remains the real point of interest: Mbappé and Kane, even in an unwelcome match, can turn the final into a personal challenge.
The only real reason for interest, at least on an individual level, remains the race for the top scorers' throne. Mbappé He starts with 8 goals, tied with Messi (but who is in the lead thanks to the assists he has provided), and can try to overtake him before the final between Spain and Argentina. Kane e Bellingham They are chasing at 6 points: they would need a special evening, more than just a simple final, to truly reopen the race.
France vs. England: schedule, referee, and probable lineups
France vs. England will be played today, Saturday, July 18, at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Kick-off is set for 17pm local time, 23pm in Italy. The direction the race was entrusted to the Venezuelan Jesus Valenzuela, assisted by compatriots Jorge Urrego and Tulio Moreno. The fourth official will be Moroccan Jalal Jayed, with Zakaria Brinsi as reserve assistant. Uruguayan Leodan González will be in charge of VAR, supported by American Armando Villarreal and Spaniard Carlos Del Cerro Grande.
La France should side with the 4-2-3-1Maignan in goal, with a defensive line of Koundé, Upamecano, Lacroix, and Digne. Koné and Rabiot will be in midfield, with Doué in the attacking midfield, and Olise, Barcola, and Mbappé completing the attack.
The England could respond with the same system, the 4-2-3-1Pickford will be in goal, with Konsa, Guehi, Burn, and O'Reilly in defense. Anderson and Mainoo will be in midfield, while Madueke, Rogers, and Gordon are expected to operate behind Kane.
France vs. England: where to watch it
France-England, the third place match at the 2026 World Cup, will be broadcast live on Rai 1 in clear and on Dazn for subscribers. The match will be available for streaming on RaiPlay and on the Dazn platform.
