France and England enter Saturday’s World Cup third-place playoff sharing the same disappointment: neither team expected to be playing for bronze.
Both nations entered the tournament with championship aspirations. France was widely viewed as a title favorite, while England hoped to capture its first World Cup crown since 1966. Instead, semifinal defeats left them one step short of Sunday’s championship match, which will feature Argentina and Spain.
French defender Ibrahima Konaté acknowledged the team's frustration but emphasized their commitment to finishing the tournament on a positive note.
“None of us wanted to play for third place,” Konaté said Friday. “But we have to approach it professionally. France and England have a long football history, and we're looking forward to the match.”
Although the game offers only a bronze medal, it represents an opportunity for England manager Thomas Tuchel to end the tournament on a stronger note after drawing criticism for his tactical decisions in England’s semifinal loss to Argentina.
“No one wanted to be playing this match,” Tuchel said. “Every one of the semifinalists dreamed of reaching the final. But this is still a World Cup match, and it gives England the chance to achieve its best tournament finish in 60 years. This is an opportunity to show the mentality we've displayed throughout the competition.”
Golden Boot Race Still Alive
France captain Kylian Mbappé remains in contention for the Golden Boot as the tournament’s leading scorer.
Mbappé has scored eight goals, matching Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who currently holds the tiebreak advantage with four assists compared to Mbappé’s three. England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain outside contenders with six goals apiece.
France coach Didier Deschamps confirmed Mbappé is available after participating in Friday’s training session but said several lineup changes are expected. Tuchel also indicated England will rotate players for the match.
“We have responsibilities,” Deschamps said. “Our players, coaches, and staff all have a duty to represent France with pride and respect for our supporters.”
Deschamps’ Final Match in Charge
Saturday’s game will mark the end of Didier Deschamps’ 14-year tenure as France’s head coach. Konaté said the players are motivated to send him off with one final victory.
“He has given so much to French football,” Konaté said. “There have been difficult moments, but he has also brought tremendous success and happiness.”
Deschamps guided France to the 2018 World Cup title and another final appearance in 2022, where his team lost to Argentina in a penalty shootout. France’s 2026 campaign ended in the semifinals after Spain successfully contained the attacking trio of Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Michael Olise.
In addition to the World Cup triumph, Deschamps led France to the UEFA Euro 2016 final but fell short of winning another major international title.
“This is my final match with the national team,” Deschamps said. “Representing France over these years has been the greatest honor of my professional career. I’ve experienced unforgettable highs and difficult moments, but wearing this jersey has meant everything to me.”
England Looking Ahead
For England, reaching the World Cup semifinals for the first time since 2018 marked progress, but Tuchel acknowledged the team must continue closing the gap on football’s elite nations.
“The other semifinalists almost expect to become world champions,” Tuchel said. “We believed we could, but there’s still a gap to overcome. That journey continues starting tomorrow.”
The German coach admitted England became too defensive late in its semifinal against Argentina. After leading 1-0 until the closing minutes, England conceded goals to Enzo Fernández and substitute Lautaro Martínez, prompting criticism of Tuchel’s tactical adjustments.
Despite the backlash, Tuchel stood by his decisions.
“If someone has to take responsibility,” he said, “then I’ll take it.”