France vs England Prediction: Best Bets, Odds & Predicted Lineups
One Last Chance to Leave With a Medal
It wasn't the ending either team wanted.
France fell 2-0 to Spain after being outplayed in the semi-final.
England suffered late heartbreak against defending champions Argentina, conceding twice in the closing minutes after leading for much of the second half. Both giants now meet in Miami with one objective remaining: finish the tournament on a high and take home the bronze medal.
Third-place matches are often overlooked.
The players rarely see them that way.
For veterans like Harry Kane and Kylian Mbappé, every World Cup match matters.
For younger stars such as Jude Bellingham and Michael Olise, it's another opportunity to shine on football's biggest stage.
France vs England Quick Facts
Competition
FIFA World Cup 2026 – Third-Place Playoff
Date
July 18, 2026
Kick-off
21:00 UTC
Venue
Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida, USA
Winner
Claims the bronze medal at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Road to the Third-Place Match
France's Road to the Third-Place Match
France 3-1 Senegal
France 3-0 Iraq
France 4-1 Norway
France 1-0 Paraguay
France 2-0 Morocco
France 0-2 Spain
England's Road to the Third-Place Match
England 2-0 Panama
England 4-2 Croatia
England 0-0 Ghana
England 2-1 DR Congo
England 3-2 Mexico
England 2-1 Norway
England 1-2 Argentina
Key Team News
France enters what is expected to be Didier Deschamps' final match as national team coach before a likely managerial transition.
England will be looking to respond after a painful semi-final defeat, with Thomas Tuchel expected to balance squad rotation against the desire to finish the tournament with a victory.
Best Bet
Both Teams To Score
Predicted Score
France 2-1 England
Why This Match Is Worth Watching
Third-place play-offs often produce entertaining football.
The pressure is gone.
The players attack with greater freedom.
France still has individual goals to chase, while England will want to avoid ending an impressive tournament with back-to-back defeats.
Expect both teams to create chances.
Team Form Analysis
France
France looked capable of reaching another World Cup final until meeting Spain.
Despite the disappointment, Les Bleus remain one of the tournament's most talented squads.
Strengths
World-class attacking quality.
Excellent pace on the wings.
Strong defensive spine.
Tournament experience.
Weaknesses
Struggled against Spain's possession.
Occasionally vulnerable when defending transitions.
England
England produced arguably its best football under Thomas Tuchel before Argentina's dramatic comeback.
The performances remain encouraging despite the result.
Strengths
Outstanding midfield.
Dangerous on set pieces.
Excellent attacking depth.
High pressing.
Weaknesses
Defensive lapses late in matches.
Can leave space behind attacking full-backs.
Team News, Injuries & Predicted Lineups
France
Didier Deschamps could rotate several players but is still expected to field a strong starting XI.
Predicted XI
France
4-2-3-1
Mike Maignan
GK
Jules Koundé
DEF
William Saliba
DEF
Dayot Upamecano
DEF
Theo Hernández
DEF
Aurélien Tchouaméni
MID
Eduardo Camavinga
MID
Michael Olise
MID
Ousmane Dembélé
MID
Kylian Mbappé
MID
Randal Kolo Muani
ATT
England
Thomas Tuchel is also expected to make limited changes while keeping his experienced core on the pitch.
Predicted XI
England
4-2-3-1
Jordan Pickford
GK
Reece James
DEF
John Stones
DEF
Marc Guéhi
DEF
Myles Lewis-Skelly
DEF
Declan Rice
MID
Jude Bellingham
MID
Bukayo Saka
MID
Cole Palmer
MID
Anthony Gordon
MID
Harry Kane
ATT
Players Who Could Decide The Match
Kylian Mbappé
Real Madrid, La Liga
France's biggest attacking weapon.
His pace against England's defensive line could define the match.
Best Markets
Anytime Goalscorer
Goal or Assist
Over Shots on Target
Harry Kane
Bayern Munich, Bundesliga
England's captain rarely disappoints on the biggest stage.
His finishing remains among the world's best.
Jude Bellingham
Real Madrid, La Liga
England's standout performer throughout the tournament.
Late runs into the penalty area continue to create problems for opponents.
Michael Olise
Bayern Munich, Bundesliga
One of France's breakout stars.
His creativity gives France another dimension going forward.
Tactical Battle
France will look to exploit Mbappé's speed in transition.
England will try to dominate midfield through Rice and Bellingham.
Without the pressure of reaching the final, both managers are likely to encourage a more positive approach.
That should lead to an open game.
The Hidden Betting Angle
Most bettors focus only on the winner.
Historically, third-place matches often produce goals because both teams attack with less caution.
That makes goal markets particularly attractive.
Betting Guide & Current Odds
Odds provided by our partners from 1Bet. Odds are subject to change before kick-off. Always verify the latest prices before placing your bet and always gamble responsibly.
France is available at approximately 2.00 to win in 90 minutes.
England can be backed around 3.20, while the draw is close to 3.60. Bookmakers expect an entertaining and closely contested bronze medal match.
Expert Betting Tips, Tricks & Strategies
Both Teams To Score
The standout selection.
Why?
Less tactical pressure.
Two elite attacking units.
England has scored in every knockout match.
France still possesses Mbappé and Dembélé.
Kylian Mbappé Anytime Goalscorer
France's biggest attacking threat remains the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Over 2.5 Goals
Third-place matches traditionally produce more attacking football.
France to Win
France's individual quality gives Les Bleus a slight edge.
Editor's Choice
Both Teams To Score
This offers the strongest combination of value and probability.
Why?
Elite attacking talent on both sides.
Reduced pressure compared to the semi-finals.
Open tactical approach expected.
Strong recent scoring records.
Predicted Score
France 2-1 England
France vs England FAQs
Who is favourite to win France vs England?
France enters the bronze medal match as a slight favourite after bookmakers priced Les Bleus marginally ahead of England.
What is the best bet?
Both Teams To Score offers the best combination of value and probability.
Which player is most likely to score?
Kylian Mbappé remains France's biggest goal threat, while Harry Kane is England's most likely scorer.
Why is this match important?
Although it isn't the final, the winner leaves the World Cup with a bronze medal and finishes the tournament on a positive note.
What is the predicted score?
France 2-1 England.
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