Two European powerhouses, France and England, will face off in the third-place match on Saturday, July 18, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
After falling short in the semifinals, both teams will look to end their World Cup runs on a high note by securing a bronze medal.
France is favored at a -111 price, with the over/under set at 3.5 (+110o / -135u) goals.
Let's get into my France vs England prediction.
France vs England Prediction
Pick: Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score – Yes
My France vs England best bets are for over 2.5 goals to be scored and for both teams to score.
France vs England Odds
| England Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+0.5 -115 | 3.5 +110o / -135u | +275 |
| France Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-0.5 -118 | 3.5 +110o / -135u | -111 |
France vs England World Cup Preview
This match presents a fascinating tactical clash. France's primary weapon has been its blistering pace on the counter-attack, led by Kylian Mbappe. England's fullbacks tend to push high up the field, which could leave them exposed to France's transitional speed. England struggled with this exact scenario in their Round of 16 match against Mexico and will need to be disciplined to avoid a repeat.
Psychology will play a massive role. The team that recovers more effectively from its semifinal heartbreak will have a significant advantage. For France, a win is about salvaging pride after failing to reach a third consecutive final. For England, securing a bronze medal would mark their best finish in the competition since 1966. The head-to-head record favors France, who have lost just one of their last five competitive matches against England, including the crucial 2-1 victory in the quarterfinals of the 2022 tournament. This recent history could give Les Bleus a mental edge heading into this consolation match.
Check out the best soccer odds before making your England vs France picks.
France vs England Picks, Betting Analysis
- Over 2.5 Goals & Both Teams to Score – Yes
Historically, the third-place playoff is one of the most entertaining matches of the tournament. With the ultimate pressure of the final lifted, these games tend to be open, high-scoring affairs. Sixteen of the 20 third-place playoff fixtures in the competition's history have seen over 2.5 goals, with an average of 2.60 goals per game. This trend supports the idea of a goal-filled contest.
Both France and England have demonstrated significant firepower throughout the 2026 tournament. France has been the second-highest scoring team, netting 16 goals in seven matches, while England is not far behind with 14 goals. Defensively, England has shown vulnerability, conceding eight goals and struggling to keep clean sheets against top opposition. This combination of potent attacks and a susceptible English defense makes a strong case for both teams scoring and for the total to go over 2.5 goals. Furthermore, four of the last five competitive head-to-head meetings have seen both teams find the back of the net.
France vs England Projected Lineups
France projected lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Maignan
Defenders: Kounde, Konate, Lacroix, Hernandez;
Midfielders: Kone, Zaire-Emery; Cherki, Olise, Doue
Forwards: Mbappe
England projected lineup (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper: Pickford
Defenders: Spence, Konsa, Guehi, O'Reilly
Midfielders: Rice, Anderson; Rogers, Bellingham, Gordon
Forwards: Kane
