Deschamps insists France duty-bound for World Cup third-place playoff against England
Les Bleus face England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match on Saturday, with Didier Deschamps affirming the team’s obligation to compete despite the fixture’s lower status.
France and England are set to contest the third-place playoff at the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Saturday, 18 July 2026, at Miami Stadium in Florida. The fixture serves as the final tournament appearance for both national teams, following their respective semi-final exits. France were eliminated by Spain with a 2-0 defeat, while England fell to Argentina 2-1 after conceding a late lead.
The match marks the end of Didier Deschamps’ tenure as France manager. Speaking in Miami, Deschamps stated that the team has a duty to compete and described it as a third-place playoff, not a friendly, despite it being less important than the final. He noted that while neither England nor France wishes to play the game, the objective remains serious.
France were eliminated from the final by Spain (2-0) in the semi-finals on 14 July at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Goals were scored by Mikel Oyarzabal and Pedro Porro. England were eliminated from the final by Argentina (2-1) in the semi-finals on 15 July at Atlanta Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, after a late comeback by Argentina.
Kylian Mbappe has scored eight goals in the tournament, tied with Lionel Messi for the tournament lead. The article provides a predicted starting XI projection for France, though specific player names for the lineup are not detailed in the provided text.
Spain will face either England or Argentina in the final, scheduled for New Jersey on Sunday. The third-place match serves as the final tournament appearance for both national teams.
