England and France will put their World Cup disappointment behind them when they meet in Saturday’s third-place playoff in Miami, with both European giants aiming to finish the tournament on a winning note.
The 2026 World Cup third-place game is scheduled today Saturday, July 18, at 5 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida United States.
Although neither side had hoped to be playing for bronze, both teams insist they remain determined to end their campaigns positively after painful semi-final exits.
England manager Thomas Tuchel accepted full responsibility for his team’s dramatic 2-1 defeat to defending champions Argentina, who overturned a one-goal deficit with late strikes after England had led until the closing minutes.
“If you need someone to blame, I take the responsibility,” Tuchel told reporters, insisting he had no regrets over the tactical decisions he made during the match.
The former Chelsea boss admitted his side became too passive after taking the lead, allowing Argentina to dominate possession and launch sustained attacks.
“We became too passive. Argentina found another gear, and we couldn’t stop the crosses or the runners into the box,” Tuchel said.
The England coach explained that switching to a five-man defence was intended to deal with Argentina’s attacking threats but acknowledged the move failed to produce the desired result.
Despite the criticism that followed the defeat, Tuchel urged his players to channel the pain into motivation, noting that victory over France would secure England’s best World Cup finish in six decades.
“We will overcome it. We will use it, and we will have a reaction. If we win tomorrow, it will be England’s best World Cup result in 60 years,” he said.
Tuchel also dismissed suggestions that others should shoulder the blame, saying criticism comes with the job.
Meanwhile, France are also seeking redemption after their hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final ended with a 2-0 defeat to Spain.
France coach Didier Deschamps, who confirmed the match will be his final game in charge of Les Bleus, admitted neither team wanted to contest the playoff but stressed that the bronze medal remained an important objective.
“This is not a friendly match. We have a duty to finish the tournament in third place,” Deschamps said.
Read also:
- England’s World Cup Heartbreak Deepens After Late Argentina Comeback
- Spain’s Coach Declares Team World’s Best After Booking 2026 World Cup Final Spot
- Dutch Referee Rob Dieperink Dies Weeks After World Cup Removal
The veteran manager urged his players to give everything in his farewell match, saying they owe it to the French jersey to finish strongly.
Defender Ibrahima Konaté echoed his coach’s sentiments, revealing the squad is determined to send Deschamps off with victory.
“We didn’t want to play for third place, but we have no choice. We want to repay our coach for everything he has done for France by winning this game,” Konaté said.
Saturday’s clash offers both nations the chance to end their World Cup journey with a medal after falling one step short of Sunday’s final, where Spain will face Argentina for the 2026 FIFA World Cup title.
