France take on England in the bronze final, with both sides eyeing up a place on the World Cup podium after losing in the semi-finals.
Bronze final
Sunday 19 July | Miami Stadium
Kick-off time
05:00 (GMT+8)
The match
The 103rd match at the FIFA World Cup 2026™ sees France and England face off in the bronze final, eyeing a consolation prize after losing their respective semi-finals. It is also Kylian Mbappe’s last chance to add to his eight goals and overhaul Lionel Messi to win the adidas Golden Boot, while Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham — on six goals each — can also stake their claim for the award.
With Mbappe in his usual ferocious mood whenever a World Cup comes around, France made a blistering start to the tournament. They cruised to an impressive 3-1 victory over Senegal in their opening game followed by a dominant 3-0 win over Iraq before topping Group I by thrashing Norway 4-1.
France were similarly ruthless in the knockout stage, earning an imposing 3-0 win over Sweden before overcoming stiff challenges from Paraguay and then Morocco to make it to the last four. Didier Deschamps’ side had high hopes of reaching a third successive final and repeating their triumph of 2018 but Spain had other ideas, winning the semi-final tie in Dallas 2-0.
England, meanwhile, had a more eventful journey through the tournament. The Three Lions powered to a 4-2 win over Croatia in their first game then came back down to earth with a goalless draw against Ghana but still topped Group L by beating Panama. They were given an almighty scare by Congo DR in the Round of 32 before Kane’s inspirational second-half double saw them through.
Then came an enthralling and spirited 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 and another comeback win over Norway after extra time in the quarter-finals. Old enemy Argentina awaited in the semis and this time it was England who were on the wrong end of a dramatic turnaround.
France are preparing for their fourth appearance in the bronze final, having taken the medal in 1958 against West Germany and in 1986 against Belgium while missing out to Poland in 1982. England will play for the bronze medal for the third time, having previously lost out to Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018.
France possible starting XI
Maignan; Gusto, Konate, Lacroix, Lucas Hernandez; Zaire-Emery, Kante; Akliouche, Cherki, Mbappe; Thuram
England possible starting XI
Henderson; Chalobah, Guehi, Stones, Spence; Mainoo, Anderson, Rogers; Madueke, Kane, Rashford
What they said…
“Yes, we’re disappointed. Yes, this is a match we would rather not have had to play. But it’s France against England. There is history between these two nations. We have a duty to respect this fixture, this France team and all the French supporters who will be behind us for this final match. We’ll give everything to go home with a medal, even if it’s only a bronze one.” Ibrahima Konate, France defender
“This is not a friendly match and it’s not the game we would have preferred to be playing, but it’s there. There is a third place to go and get, and it is my duty, together with my staff, and the players have that duty as well, to do everything we can to achieve that final objective. It is certainly less important, but I’ll say it again: we’re here.” Didier Deschamps, France head coach
“It’s a tough thing to get over straight away, or digest straight away, but that’s the cruel position we’re in right now. I think it’ll become apparent once the emotions die down. I think tomorrow, coming round so quick, is another good focus to go and get a bronze medal.” John Stones, England defender
“It’s a chance to have the best result in 60 years for England. It is a big game against one of the very best teams in the world, and maybe the team in the best shape until the semi-final. Mentality is not something you switch on and switch off. It’s a moment to show what we are made of, what we showed through the whole tournament.” Thomas Tuchel, England head coach
Miami Stadium
Miami Stadium serves as home to the Miami Dolphins, Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix, Miami Open tennis tournament, University of Miami, Orange Blossom Classic and Orange Bowl college football games, Jazz in the Gardens and other concerts and festivals. The stadium played host to eight fixtures during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™, including the opening showdown between Al Ahly FC and Inter Miami CF. At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Miami hosted two matches of Cabo Verde’s fairy-tale run, witnessing their draw with Uruguay in Group H and subsequent barnstorming Round of 32 defeat by Argentina. The other group games in Miami were the draws between Saudi Arabia and Uruguay, and Portugal and Colombia along with Brazil’s 3-0 victory over Scotland. England have already played at this venue, having beaten Norway 2-1 there in the quarter-finals.