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England claim third place after defeating France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup

England defeated France in the 2026 World Cup third-place game, earning a dramatic 6-4 victory at Hard Rock Stadium. Bukayo Saka scored twice as England secured the bronze medal after a thrilling battle. Check out the highlights here.

Bukayo Saka #7 of England celebrates with Jude Bellingham and Reece James.
© Jamie Squire /Getty ImagesBukayo Saka #7 of England celebrates with Jude Bellingham and Reece James.

England defeated France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place game, securing the bronze medal at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. England claimed third place after a thrilling match full of goals, with Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham among the key players in the victory.

England started the game with complete control and built a four-goal advantage before France produced an incredible comeback attempt. Kylian Mbappe led the response with two goals, while Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola helped France reduce the gap and create a dramatic finish.

Despite France‘s late pressure, England managed to seal the victory and finish their 2026 World Cup campaign in third place. France ended the tournament in fourth after a memorable battle, while Argentina and Spain will face each other in the final.

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England defeated France 6-4 in the 2026 World Cup third-place game, and you lived every moment of this thrilling match here on Bolavip.

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90+7' - Full time! England defeat France 6-4 (6-4)

England secured third place in the 2026 World Cup after a thrilling 6-4 victory over France at Hard Rock Stadium. Thomas Tuchel's side survived an incredible comeback attempt from Didier Deschamps' team, with Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and company sealing the win in a high-scoring battle.

90+7' - GOOOOOOAL FOR ENGLAND! (4-6)

England strike again on the counterattack through Jude Bellingham. The midfielder exploded with pace, drove into the box and dribbled past two defenders before nearly walking the ball into the net and finishing calmly. A brilliant individual effort to seal another goal for England.

90+7' - GOOOOOOAL FOR FRANCE! (4-5)

France keep the comeback alive through Ousmane Dembele. The goal started with a great recovery from Dayot Upamecano, who quickly found Dembele in space. The forward drove into the box, cut inside and fired a brilliant shot to reduce the deficit once again.

90+7' - Substitutions for both sides (3-5)

Both teams make changes during stoppage time. France bring on Jules Kounde to replace Malo Gusto, while England make a defensive adjustment with Trevoh Chalobah coming in for Marc Guehi.

90' - 7 minutes of stoppage time added (3-5)

The referee signals seven minutes of added time at Hard Rock Stadium. France continue searching for another goal to complete the comeback, while England look to hold on and secure the third-place finish.

86' - GOOOOOOAL FOR ENGLAND! (3-5)

Bukayo Saka converts the penalty with great composure and extends England's lead once again. After France's incredible comeback attempt, this goal is a huge blow for Didier Deschamps' side, who now face a much more difficult task in the final minutes.

85' - Penalty for England! (3-4)

England are awarded a penalty after Djed Spence wins the race against Malo Gusto inside the box. The French defender slides in but fails to make contact with the ball and brings down Spence, giving England a chance to extend their lead.

81' - Olise misses another huge chance for France! (3-4)

France come incredibly close to completing the comeback once again. Kylian Mbappe combines with Michael Olise inside the box, who then delivers a precise pass to Ousmane Dembele. Dembele quickly returns the ball to Olise, but his first-time finish goes wide from just a few meters away. A massive opportunity missed for France.

82' - Substitution for England (3-4)

England are forced to make a change after Jarell Quansah appears to suffer an injury. Reece James enters the match to replace him as Thomas Tuchel adjusts his defensive line during the final stages.

80' - Substitutions for England (3-4)

England make two changes as Thomas Tuchel looks to refresh his team during the final stages of the match. Ivan Toney and Eberechi Eze leave the pitch, with Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham entering the game.

75' - Olise misses a huge chance for France! (3-4)

France come close to completing the comeback after a brilliant low cross from Malo Gusto, who won the battle on the wing and found Michael Olise near the edge of the box. Olise struck first time, but his effort went wide of the post as France continue searching for the equalizer.

70' - Play resumes (3-4)

The match is back underway after the cooling break at Hard Rock Stadium. France continue pushing forward in search of the equalizer, while England look to manage their narrow advantage and secure the third-place finish.

69' - Cooling break (3-4)

The referee stops the match for a cooling break at Hard Rock Stadium. France have completed a remarkable comeback attempt and now trail by only one goal, while England look to regain control of the match.

66' - GOOOOOOAL FOR FRANCE! (3-4)

France complete an incredible comeback attempt after a brilliant attacking sequence. Ousmane Dembele combined with Michael Olise before Olise found Kylian Mbappe inside the box, and the France captain finished calmly to score his second goal of the match. France are now just one goal away from a historic equalizer.

64' - Dembele misses a huge chance for France (2-4)

Ousmane Dembele comes close to scoring what could have been a massive moment for France in their search for a comeback. The forward misses a key opportunity, but Didier Deschamps' side remains alive and continues pushing for a possible equalizer.

60' - Maignan keeps France alive with a big save! (2-4)

Mike Maignan makes a crucial save to prevent England from restoring their three-goal advantage. Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze continue to be England's biggest threats, creating danger every time they find space in the final third.

55' - GOOOOOOAL FOR FRANCE! (2-4)

France are back in the game after another brilliant attacking move. Kylian Mbappe delivered a perfect pass to Bradley Barcola down the wing, sending him clear into the box. Barcola kept his composure and finished at the near post to reduce the deficit. The comeback attempt is alive at Hard Rock Stadium.

49' - GOOOOOOAL FOR FRANCE! (1-4)

France pull one back through Kylian Mbappe. The goal started with a turnover that allowed Michael Olise to receive the ball and deliver a perfectly timed through pass to Mbappe, who found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper and calmly finished with class. The goal keeps Mbappe alive in the Golden Boot race.

47' - Substitutions for both sides (0-4)

France make four changes looking to improve their performance, with Rayan Cherki, Desire Doue, Theo Hernandez and Ibrahima Konate making way for Ousmane Dembele, Bradley Barcola, Lucas Digne and Dayot Upamecano.

England also make a change, with Marcus Rashford coming off and Ollie Watkins entering the match as Thomas Tuchel looks to manage his squad with a four goal advantage.

45' - Second half is underway! (0-4)

The second half has started at Hard Rock Stadium as France and England continue the 2026 World Cup third place game. France are looking for a comeback, while England aim to maintain their commanding advantage and complete a strong performance.

First half stats: England dominate against France (0-4)

England's dominance was clear during the first half, controlling 55% of possession compared to France's 45%. However, the difference came in the attacking approach, with England showing more direct and vertical play, constantly creating danger against a fragile French defense.

Didier Deschamps' side has missed the presence of William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano in the back line, while England have been much more effective in front of goal. France registered only two shots on target, while England finished the first half with seven.

45' - Halftime! (0-4)

The referee brings the first half to an end at Hard Rock Stadium. England head into the break with a commanding four-goal lead after a dominant performance, while France have struggled to respond despite creating some chances.

45' - GOOOOOOAL FOR ENGLAND! (0-4)

Bukayo Saka scores again to complete his brace and extend England's lead. The goal comes after Eberechi Eze wins possession and immediately plays a through ball into Saka's diagonal run. The England forward finishes with ease to make it 0-4.

43' - France struggling after England's third goal (0-3)

France look visibly affected after conceding three goals, showing a lack of confidence and intensity as the match progresses. England's superiority has been clear, as they have controlled the game and created the better chances. Kylian Mbappe appears to be the only French player still pushing with motivation, as he continues his fight for the Golden Boot.

37' - GOOOOOOAL FOR ENGLAND! (0-3)

England extend their lead after a brilliant team move involving Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford. Saka sent Rashford through on goal, but Mike Maignan made the initial save. The rebound fell to Saka, whose shot was blocked by Ibrahima Konate, but Rashford recovered the ball and found Saka with a low cross. Saka made no mistake this time and finished from close range to make it 3-0.

35' - Mbappe denied again as England remain comfortable (0-2)

Kylian Mbappe comes close once again after breaking into the box from the right side and cutting inside before firing a shot toward goal. However, England's goalkeeper makes another save to deny the France forward. Despite France's chances, England look more comfortable and in control of the match.

28' - Marc Guehi makes a goal line clearance to deny Mbappe! (0-2)

France came close to reducing the deficit after Michael Olise's assist found Kylian Mbappe inside the box. Mbappe beat the goalkeeper with his finish, but Marc Guehi tracked back perfectly and cleared the ball off the line to keep England's two-goal lead intact.

25' - Play resumes (0-2)

The match is back underway at Hard Rock Stadium after the cooling break. France restart the action looking to find a way back into the game, while England continue to protect their two-goal advantage.

23' - Cooling break (0-2)

The referee has stopped the match for a cooling break as players from both France and England take a moment to hydrate. England remain in control with a two-goal advantage after a strong start at Hard Rock Stadium.

19' - GOOOOOOAL FOR ENGLAND! (0-2)

England double their lead after a corner won by Bukayo Saka. Declan Rice delivered a precise cross into the box, finding Ezri Konsa, who produced a quality header to beat the goalkeeper and make it 2-0. A clinical set piece from England.

17' - France look for a response (0-1)

France have taken control of possession after conceding the opening goal, but they are losing several balls in midfield. Ousmane Dembele and Kylian Mbappe are finding more space and looking more involved in the attack, while England still have Bukayo Saka ready to hurt them on the counterattack.

12' - England have a goal ruled out for offside! (0-1)

England thought they had doubled their lead after a brilliant pass from Declan Rice sent Bukayo Saka through on goal. Saka burst past his defender, cut inside the box and finished into the net, but the flag went up for offside and the goal was immediately disallowed.

10' - France push for an equalizer (0-1)

France are looking to respond after England's opening goal, while England are trying to take advantage of the spaces left at the back. The match has opened up, with less pressure from both teams. France's latest chance came through Desire Doue, whose pass found Rayan Cherki, but his shot was comfortably saved.

4' - GOOOOOOAL FOR ENGLAND! (0-1)

England take the lead with a stunning goal from Declan Rice. The move started with a turnover in midfield, allowing Rice to drive forward through the center before unleashing a brilliant strike from outside the box into the far corner, giving Mike Maignan no chance. A spectacular finish puts England in front.

0' - Game is underway! (0-0)

France and England are underway in the 2026 World Cup third place game at Hard Rock Stadium. Both teams are looking to end their World Cup campaigns on a high with a victory in Miami Gardens.

France and England take the field for the pre match ceremony

France and England are now on the pitch at Hard Rock Stadium as the players line up for the national anthems and the pre match protocol before kickoff. Everything is set for the 2026 World Cup third place game to get underway.

Why aren't Jules Kounde, Ousmane Dembele, Saliba and Upamecano starting today?

Jules Kounde is not in France's starting lineup against England because of a technical decision by Didier Deschamps. The France manager has opted to rotate his squad for the 2026 World Cup third-place game, with Kounde available on the bench if needed.

Ousmane Dembele is also among the substitutes as part of Deschamps' rotation. After playing a key role throughout the tournament, the France coach has decided to manage his minutes, although he could still come on during the match.

William Saliba is not starting because of an injury, with Didier Deschamps deciding not to risk the defender in the third-place game. Dayot Upamecano, meanwhile, begins the match on the bench after the France manager opted for a different center-back pairing. Both players remain available if needed, although Saliba's involvement will depend on his fitness.

Why aren't Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Jordan Pickford playing today?

Harry Kane is not in England's starting lineup against France because of a technical decision by Thomas Tuchel. England's captain is not dealing with an injury or suspension, as Tuchel has chosen to rest him after an intense 2026 World Cup campaign. Kane could still make an appearance later in the match.

Jude Bellingham is also on the bench as Tuchel looks to give more playing time to players who have seen fewer minutes during the tournament. The decision also helps manage Bellingham's workload after a demanding World Cup. Like Kane, he could come on during the game.

Jordan Pickford is not starting because Tuchel has decided to rest his first-choice goalkeeper for tactical reasons while also allowing his backup to gain valuable minutes. Pickford remains available and could feature if needed.

France starting XI

Didier Deschamps has made fewer changes for tonight's 2026 World Cup third-place game, with the biggest surprise being Ousmane Dembele starting on the bench. William Saliba and Dayot Upamecano will also begin the match among the substitutes.

France will line up as follows: Mike Maignan; Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez, Maxence Lacroix; Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaire-Emery, Rayan Cherki; Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Desire Doue.

England confirmed lineup

Confirmed lineups are set!

Thomas Tuchel has made a surprising decision for tonight's 2026 World Cup third-place game, leaving Jordan Pickford, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on the bench against France.

England will line up as follows: Aaron Ramsdale; Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Nico O'Reilly, Djed Spence; Kobbie Mainoo; Eberechi Eze, Morgan Rogers; Marcus Rashford, Ollie Watkins, Noni Madueke.

Tonight's referees

FIFA has appointed Jesus Valenzuela of Venezuela as the referee for tonight's 2026 World Cup third-place game between France and England.

  • Referee: Jesus Valenzuela (Venezuela)
  • Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Urrego (Venezuela)
  • Assistant Referee 2: Tulio Moreno (Venezuela)
  • Fourth Official: Jalal Jayed (Morocco)
  • Fifth Official: Zakaria Brinsi (Morocco)
  • VAR: Leodan Gonzalez (Uruguay)
  • Assistant VAR: Armando Villarreal (United States)
  • Support VAR: Carlos Del Cerro Grande (Spain)
  • Support VAR: Juan Soto (Venezuela)
  • Support AVAR: Juan Lara (Chile)

Start time and how to watch

France vs England will get underway at 5:00 PM (PT: 2:00 PM)

Watch this 2026 World Cup match between France and England live in the USA on Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling Blue, Hulu + Live TV, Peacock Premium, FOX and Telemundo.

France and England clash in 2026 World Cup third place game

Welcome to our live blog of the 2026 World Cup third-place game!

France face England at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, this Saturday, July 18, with one final chance to finish the tournament on a high.

Stay with us for key information and minute-by-minute updates as France and England battle for third place!