As England and France battle for bronze at the 2026 World Cup, find out why FIFA plays a third-place game, its history, and how it impacts the Golden Boot.

Although it may not have the same prestige as the final, the World Cup third-place match offers one final chance for redemption on the global stage.

It’s the game neither team will have wanted to be involved in, as France and England play for the final time at the 2026 World Cup in Saturday’s third-place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. France fell short of expectations in its semifinal against Spain,

Bukayo Saka scored three goals to lead England to a 6-4 win over France for third place in the World Cup, while Kylian Mbappé surpassed Argentina's Lionel Messi's career World Cup scoring record and took the lead in the Golden Boot race with a pair of second-half goals on Saturday.

It's not a match that either side wants to be in. Still, one of these European rivals can end their World Cup run with a bronze medal.

Kylian Mbappé is tied with Lionel Messi, and Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham aren't far behind, in the World Cup Golden Boot race.

England and France face off in the World Cup third place playoff on July 18, 2026. Here is how to watch the match in Miami.

Find out what France or England will earn by winning the 2026 FIFA World Cup Bronze Final, including bronze medals, prize money and why the match still matters.

A 4-0 halftime lead for England was nearly erased by France, before the Three Lions came back to win 6-4 behind a Bukayo Saka hat trick.