France and England prepare for unwanted World Cup third-place playoff

France and England are set to face off on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in a third-place playoff that both teams have publicly identified as an unwanted obligation. Having both fallen short in their respective semifinal matches — France to Spain and England to Argentina — the two nations are competing in a consolation match instead of participating in Sunday's final in New York.

“None of us wanted to play in this game for third place,” France defender Ibrahima Konate said Friday. “But we don't have a choice to play. France and England have a big story together. And yeah, we are looking forward for the game tomorrow, and let's see what will happen.” England manager Thomas Tuchel echoed this sentiment, stating, “None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match.”

Didier Deschamps concludes his tenure with France

Saturday’s match marks the final appearance for Didier Deschamps as the head coach of the French national team. After 14 years leading the squad, Deschamps will step down, ending a tenure that saw France win the World Cup in 2018 and reach the final in 2022. Describing his time with the team as the most significant experience of his professional life, Deschamps emphasized the importance of duty despite the disappointment of missing out on the final.

"I know it will be the last match and I also know that the French national team will be missed. I had the privilege for 15 years to be up here with this jersey, to experience magnificent moments, more difficult moments. The French national team is the most beautiful thing that has ever happened to me in my professional career."

Didier Deschamps, Head Coach

Defender Ibrahima Konate noted that the squad is motivated to secure a victory as a final tribute to their departing manager. Konate stated, “He carried many French players. We had some disappointing moments, but he brought a lot of joy.”

Thomas Tuchel faces tactical scrutiny

For England manager Thomas Tuchel, the match follows intense criticism regarding his tactical decisions during the semifinal loss to Argentina. After leading 1-0 until the 85th minute, England surrendered goals to Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez. Tuchel has faced significant scrutiny for his defensive approach late in the game, though he maintained that he stands by his decisions.

"If it’s easier that someone takes the blame, I take the blame."

Thomas Tuchel, Head Coach

Tuchel highlighted that while the team is disappointed, there remains a tangible goal to achieve the best result for England in 60 years. "Mentality is not something that you switch on and switch off as you like it. It is a moment to show that we are actually made of what we showed through the whole tournament," Tuchel said on Friday evening.

Golden Boot and squad rotations

The fixture remains relevant for individual honors, specifically the Golden Boot race. France’s Kylian Mbappé enters the match tied at 8 goals with Argentina's Lionel Messi, with Messi holding the edge in the tiebreaker with four assists to Mbappé's three. England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham also remain in contention, each entering the match with 6 goals.

Both managers indicated that they will make changes to their regular lineups. Deschamps confirmed that Mbappé is available, having participated in France's training session Friday in Fort Lauderdale, but added he will make changes. Tuchel indicated England would also field a different lineup, potentially providing opportunities to squad players who have seen limited action. Regarding team news, France defender William Saliba will miss the match due to a back injury, and England's Jarrell Quansah is available following a two-match suspension, while Reece James is expected to miss out due to injury.