France vs. England Third-Place Playoff: FIFA World Cup Odds, Betting Picks
England and France meet in Miami on Saturday in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff – a meeting nobody wanted but one that carries genuine stakes for both sides.
Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions were eliminated 2-1 by defending champions Argentina in Atlanta on Wednesday, with Lautaro Martínez’s late winner ending England’s best World Cup run in 60 years.
France, meanwhile, fell 2-0 to Spain in Dallas on Tuesday, with Mikel Oyarzabal’s first-half penalty and Pedro Porro’s second-half strike bringing Didier Deschamps’ reign to a bitter end just short of the final he reached in both 2018 and 2022.
The subplot is what gives this match its edge. Kylian Mbappé enters Saturday level with Lionel Messi on eight goals in this tournament, and with Messi playing in Sunday’s final, this is the French captain’s last and only chance to add to his tally. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sit on six goals apiece, with Bellingham one goal from becoming England’s sole record holder for non-penalty goals at a single World Cup.
Neither side wants to finish fourth; both have reasons to attack. There’s plenty on the line, so make sure you keep reading for my England vs. France picks.
Check out our full list of live 2026 World Cup betting odds.
France vs. England FIFA World Cup: How to Watch and Match Info
- Time: Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m. ET
- Stadium: Miami Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
- TV: TSN
- Weather: 31.2°C, Partly cloudy and humid
France vs. England Betting Odds
France open as favourites to claim third place, listed at -105 to win inside 90 minutes and -190 to finish third. England is priced at +270 to win in regulation (+155 to finish third), while the draw after 90 minutes is also +270. Like the rest of the knockout round, the third-place play-off will go to extra time and then a penalty shootout if still level after 90 minutes.
France vs. England Predicted Starting XI Lineups
England Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Pickford
Spence | Stones | Guéhi | O’Reilly
Rice | Anderson
Rogers | Bellingham | Gordon
Kane
France Predicted Starting XI: 4-2-3-1
Maignan
Koundé | Upamecano | Lacroix | Digne
Tchouaméni | Rabiot
Dembélé | Olise | Barcola
Mbappé
France FIFA World Cup Odds and News
France were arguably the most complete team remaining in the tournament until Spain’s tactical discipline exposed the midfield gaps that had occasionally troubled Deschamps’ side throughout this summer. Oyarzabal’s penalty and Porro’s clinical finish in Dallas sealed the defeat, but it should not overshadow a tournament run that included six wins from six before the semifinal.
Mbappé has been the central figure of the Golden Boot race all summer, and his eight goals make him the joint leader alongside Messi. Saturday is his final opportunity to go ahead. He has scored 12 knockout-stage World Cup goals in his career, extending his own record, and has now scored eight goals in two separate World Cups.
Ousmane Dembélé has also contributed four goals and has been one of the tournament’s most dynamic wide forwards. France have the firepower to make this uncomfortable for England.
England FIFA World Cup Odds and News
England have already equalled the record for most wins at a World Cup in the country’s history with five victories, and a win on Saturday would make them outright record holders. Jude Bellingham has matched Gary Lineker’s team record of six non-penalty goals at a single World Cup tournament, and one more on Saturday would see him stand alone.
Tuchel’s side were the better team for long periods against Argentina before losing control of midfield in the second half. Anthony Gordon’s opener was cancelled by Enzo Fernández’s equalizer before Lautaro Martínez scored the winner. England threatened consistently from wide areas throughout, but could not find the decisive moment when it mattered most.
They arrive in Miami having conceded only three goals in six matches and with both Kane and Bellingham in fine form.
France vs. England Player Odds and Props
- Kylian Mbappé (FRA) anytime goalscorer (-130): Mbappé is tied atop the Golden Boot standings on eight goals and has every motivation to score in this match.
- Jude Bellingham (ENG) to score or assist (+150): Bellingham has been exceptional all tournament, scoring six goals from midfield. With Kane drawing attention centrally, Bellingham’s license to score or assist makes him a great option in a game that both sides will approach with an open mentality.
FIFA World Cup 2026 Bracket and Futures
Saturday’s match is the 103rd of 104 games at the first 48-team World Cup. The final on Sunday pits Spain (-165 to win) and Argentina (+130 to win) at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey at 3 p.m. ET.
France vs. England Score Prediction
Best bet: Both teams to score & Over 2.5 goals (-165)
Third-place playoffs have a long history of producing goals, as 13 of the 18 matches have finished with both teams scoring and at least three goals. With the pressure of reaching the final removed, both sides should approach this match with an attacking mentality.
France have the stronger squad on paper and open as the narrow favourite in regulation, but England are not a side that will sit back and absorb pressure at this stage of a World Cup. Both attacks will find chances, and at least three goals in an open bronze medal match feels like the most natural outcome of the night.
Final score prediction: France 2 | England 1