The World Cup third-place game has a claim to being the most peculiar match in world soccer. It is the match nobody truly wants to play in. In other sports, a bronze medal is worth celebrating. In soccer, it’s a reminder of how a place in the World Cup final slipped through the fingers of the two teams involved.
Nonetheless, England and France will face off in Miami, possibly as punishment for what happened in their respective semi-finals, but also in a match that will determine which team finishes third at the 2026 World Cup. Because determining this is important, apparently.
Didier Deschamps and Thomas Tuchel could be tempted to rotate their squads to give some minutes to those who have been on the periphery of the tournament until now. The competitive tension may not be what it was in previous rounds, but this is an opportunity to end the summer on a high note.
Here is your complete guide on how to watch today’s World Cup third-place game, including kick-off times, broadcast networks, and online streaming options.
France v England (Match 103)
Time (ET): 5pm
Stadium: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami)
How to watch
United States: Fox / Telemundo (Stream on Fubo)
Canada: TSN (Stream)
United Kingdom: BBC One (Stream)
Australia: SBS (Stream)
What to watch for
France’s World Cup challenge came to an abrupt halt as they were held at arm’s length by Spain in the semi-finals. Deschamps’ lack of midfield balance cost Les Bleus and it could also be an issue against England if Tuchel sets up his team to play with a three-man midfield as he has in most games at this tournament.
Saturday’s match in Miami could be a low-energy one. The Florida humidity may dictate this, as could any changes from Deschamps and Tuchel to their teams. Kobbie Mainoo may finally be afforded some game time, if Tuchel remembers he called up the Manchester United midfielder in the first place.
If France can rediscover the attacking verve that carried them to the semi-finals, they may have too much for the Three Lions. Kylian Mbappé surely has his sights set on another Golden Boot and could be in line for a start when others would prefer to watch from the shade of the bench.
Player to watch: Kylian Mbappé, France – Tied with Lionel Messi for the tournament high with eight goals, Mbappé could still head home from this World Cup with a Golden Boot in hand. The Real Madrid forward has been in devastating form this summer and could sign off with one last performance to remember.
What to read
Kylian Mbappé feels sands of time shifting as France suffer fresh World Cup angst
The bigger picture: Tuchel gets blame for England exit but this is not only about him
