England’s third-place play-off against France kicks off on Saturday 18 July at 22:00 BST, and yes, it is worth your time. Wednesday’s semi-final heartbreak against Argentina means the wait for a first men’s major trophy since 1966 goes on, but Thomas Tuchel’s side still have one more game at this World Cup. A bronze medal, personal records and a score to settle from Qatar 2022 are all on the line. Here are four reasons to tune in.
A World Cup medal is still on the table
Third place at a World Cup goes into the record books permanently. England have finished fourth twice, in 1990 after losing 2-1 to Italy in the play-off and in 2018 after a 2-0 defeat by Belgium. Beating France would give this squad something no England men’s team has ever won: World Cup bronze.
It also matters for the story of this campaign. Two defeats to end the tournament reads very differently from finishing with a win over one of the world’s best sides.
Kane, records and the Golden Boot race
The play-off hands England’s players an extra 90 minutes to chase personal milestones. Harry Kane, the 2018 Golden Boot winner, gets one more chance to add to his all-time England scoring record, with Kylian Mbappé in the opposite corner doing exactly the same for France.
Third-place games tend to deliver goals. Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in 2022, Belgium beat England 2-0 in 2018, and historically these fixtures average more goals than finals. Nobody parks the bus for bronze.
Revenge for Qatar 2022
England’s last World Cup meeting with France ended in a 2-1 quarter-final defeat in 2022, the night Kane blazed a late penalty over the bar. Every player in that squad remembers it.
France arrive wounded from their own semi-final exit, which makes this a genuine contest between two of Europe’s superpowers with pride, ranking points and FIFA prize money at stake.
It’s the last England game for a very long time
After Saturday, only the final remains before the World Cup disappears until 2030. That is four years without tournament football of this scale, so squeeze out every last minute.
Tuchel is also likely to hand minutes to younger squad players, and third-place play-offs have a habit of showcasing the next generation. The stars of 2030 may well announce themselves on Saturday night.
FAQ
When is the England vs France third-place play-off?
The World Cup 2026 third-place play-off kicks off on Saturday 18 July 2026 at 22:00 BST.
Where can I watch the match live?
The game is shown live on BBC TV in the UK, with streaming available on BBC iPlayer.
What is actually at stake in a third-place play-off?
A World Cup bronze medal, official final ranking, increased FIFA prize money and individual records such as the tournament Golden Boot.
Have England ever won a third-place play-off?
No. England lost their two previous play-offs, 2-1 to Italy in 1990 and 2-0 to Belgium in 2018, so Saturday is a chance to make history.
What happened the last time England played France at a World Cup?
France won their 2022 quarter-final 2-1 in Qatar, with Harry Kane missing a late penalty that would have levelled the match.
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