France vs England LIVE: Bukayo Saka with a brace extends the lead! (0-4) Minute-by-minute updates of 2026 World Cup third-place game

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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)

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.

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!