France and England will meet on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Miami Gardens, Florida, to compete for third place in the World Cup after both teams failed to reach the final scheduled for Sunday.

England missed the title match after conceding two late goals in a 2-1 semifinal loss to Argentina on Wednesday. France fell short a day earlier, losing 2-0 to Spain.

Neither team appears eager to play the consolation match. England coach Thomas Tuchel stated, "None of our players, and none of the French players, wants to play the third-place match." France coach Didier Deschamps echoed this sentiment, saying, "The best thing for France and England would be for this match not to exist."

This match will mark the final game for Deschamps as Les Bleus coach, concluding a 14-year tenure that included leading France to the 2018 World Cup title. Reflecting on his career, Deschamps said, "I had the privilege to go through amazing moments and to go also through some more difficult moments, so the end is coming near but life goes on."

Tuchel has faced criticism for his tactics, particularly after England took a 1-0 lead in the 55th minute against Argentina through Anthony Gordon's goal.

Kylian Mbappe remains the defending top scorer, having netted eight goals in 2022.

Despite the disappointment, Deschamps expressed hope that the players would handle the final match with dignity: "I know that it's the last match and I don't want anybody to cry, and I don't think anybody here will cry."

Sources

France 24 English