France Favourites in 2026 World Cup Third-Place Clash as Mbappe Chases Golden Boot
Kylian Mbappe is tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals, but assists remain the deciding factor for the top scorer award.
France enters the 2026 World Cup third-place match as the clear favourite against England, with FanDuel odds listing the French side at -220 to secure the podium position. England, priced at +176, faces a challenging task after their tournament ended in disappointment. Both nations had aimed for the title but were eliminated in the semi-finals, with England losing to Argentina after surrendering a 1-0 lead in the final 10 minutes, and France falling 2-0 to Spain.
The match, scheduled for 5 p.m. ET on Saturday, carries significant individual weight for Kylian Mbappe. The French striker is currently tied with Lionel Messi on eight goals each heading into the final two matches of the tournament. With the third-place match counting towards the Golden Boot tally, Mbappe has a direct opportunity to break the deadlock, though he currently trails Messi in assists, which serves as the primary tiebreaker for the award.
SportsLine soccer expert Brandt Sutton has analysed the betting landscape for the fixture, noting that Mbappe is priced at -155 to score a goal and +300 to score the first. Sutton, a former collegiate player and SportsLine’s top soccer editor since 2017, factors in managerial tactics and past performances to inform his predictions. He has maintained profitability across multiple leagues since 2025, including the Premier League, Bundesliga, and Champions League picks in 2026.
Mbappe’s form during the tournament has been prolific, with goals arriving in clusters. He scored twice against Senegal, Iraq, and Sweden, while also finding the net against Paraguay and Morocco. His attacking output has been consistent, recording four shots on target against Senegal, three against Iraq, four against Sweden, and four against Paraguay. This volume of attempts underscores the central role he plays in France’s attack.
Despite his strong run, Mbappe failed to score against Spain in the final, having netted eight goals in his first six matches. However, Sutton suggests that Mbappe’s motivation to secure the Golden Boot, combined with his recent shot volume, provides value for bettors. The striker’s ability to score in bunches throughout the World Cup positions him as a key figure in the upcoming contest, regardless of the final result.
