France's Kylian Mbappe (10) warms up ahead of the World Cup third-place playoff soccer match between France and England in Miami Gardens, Fla., on July 18, 2026.
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There is perhaps no lonelier fixture in football than the World Cup third-place playoff. For 30 days, players dream only of one destination. They imagine lifting the trophy, hearing their anthem before the final and writing themselves into history. “None of these players, none of the French players want to play this match,” Thomas Tuchel said after England’s morale-sapping semifinal defeat. “They want to play in the final. We gave everything to be in the final. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but it is what it is.”The fixture itself is almost as old as the World Cup. The inaugural tournament in 1930 had no playoff, with the United States later awarded third place. FIFA introduced the bronze-medal match in 1934, omitted it only during the unique final-group format of 1950 and has staged it at every World Cup since 1954.Match detailsVenue: Miami Stadium, United StatesReferee: Jesus Valenzeula (VEN)Follow for LIVE updates.cornerJuly 19, 2026 02:37 6:14 CornerCorner, England. Conceded by Malo Gusto.July 19, 2026 02:37 6:10 Attempt BlockedAttempt blocked. Marcus Rashford (England) right footed shot from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Eberechi Eze.July 19, 2026 02:36 4:36 Attempt BlockedAttempt blocked. Kylian Mbappé (France) right footed shot from the left side of the box is blocked. Assisted by Adrien Rabiot.free kickJuly 19, 2026 02:35 3:27 Free Kick LostFoul by Jarell Quansah (England).free kickJuly 19, 2026 02:35 3:27 Free Kick WonDésiré Doué (France) wins a free kick in the attacking half.goalJuly 19, 2026 02:32 2:14 England scores Goal! France 0, England 1. Declan Rice (England) right-footed shot from outside the box to the bottom right corner.July 19, 2026 02:30 First half StartFirst Half begins.July 19, 2026 01:08 LineupLineups are announced and players are warming up. Published - July 19, 2026 02:16 am IST
