With all the semifinals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America completed, all eyes are turning to the final matchup. In a typical third-place playoff, waning interest would be natural. But this time is different. Both England and France, the teams in the third-place playoff, have much riding on the result. Players from both nations are expected to compete in a fiercely contested match with high motivation.
England and France face off in the tournament's third-place playoff at Miami Stadium on the 19th, Korea time.
Both teams entered the tournament aiming for the title, leaving them with considerable disappointment. But considering the honor the two nations stand to gain from a single third-place playoff, they are expected to wage a fierce competition rivaling the final. For England, a victory in the third-place playoff would mark their best result in 60 years, since their home tournament in 1966. Since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966, England's best finish has been fourth place at the 2018 Russia tournament. At that time, England lost to Belgium in the third-place playoff and finished the tournament in fourth.
For France, "ace" Kylian Mbappe's Golden Boot award hinges on the third-place playoff. Mbappe currently has 8 goals and 3 assists, placing him second behind Lionel Messi (Argentina, 8 goals and 4 assists) on assists. At the World Cup, when goals are tied, the ranking is decided by the number of assists. Depending on how many goals Mbappe scores in the third-place playoff and the outcome Messi produces in the final, Mbappe could win the Golden Boot. Mbappe is aiming for a second consecutive top scorer title following the 2022 Qatar tournament.
The prize money also differs significantly. The winning team in the third-place playoff will pocket an additional $2 million (about 3 billion won). At this World Cup, third place is awarded $30 million (about 44.5 billion won) and fourth place $28 million (about 41.5 billion won).
England holds the advantage in the head-to-head record between the two teams. In 32 meetings, England has recorded 17 wins, 5 draws and 10 losses. France won their most recent encounter, the quarterfinal at the 2022 Qatar tournament.
