France vs England: What to Know About 2026 World Cup third‑place game

Why the third‑place match exists

The World Cup’s third‑place game is the sole fixture between two eliminated sides, a tradition dating back to the tournament’s second edition in 1934. While the Olympics treasure a bronze medal, the third‑place final carries weight in FIFA’s rankings and official statistics. It also provides an extra trophy, medals, and a substantial cash prize for the victorious team.

In 2026 the contest is match number 103, part of a 104‑game schedule that includes more teams than any previous World Cup. Both France and England saw their semi‑final hopes end, yet each squad still has a match to play in Miami on Saturday.

Impact on the Golden Boot race

Goals and assists recorded in the third‑place game count toward the Golden Boot and all official World Cup stats. Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi sit tied at eight goals each, but Mbappé leads with three assists to Messi’s two.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane each have six goals, while Ousmane Dembélé trails with five. Even a strong performance could still alter the final tally, though overtaking the leaders would require an unlikely surge.

Prize money and rewards for third place

The winner of the third‑place match receives $29 million, according to The Athletic. The fourth‑place finisher takes home $27 million, siting the prize gap between the two eliminated semifinalists.

Medals are awarded on the field, mirroring the Olympic bronze tradition. In 2022 Croatia received its bronze medals after defeating Morocco in the same capacity game.

A glance through history

Since 1934, the tournament has staged a third‑place final in every edition except the inaugural event and 1950, when a round‑robin final was used. Germany leads the list with three victories, followed by Croatia, Poland, Brazil and France, each securing two bronze results.

Notable recent outcomes include Belgium’s 2‑0 win over England in 2018 and Croatia’s 2‑1 triumph over Morocco in 2022. The full record from 1934 to 2022 highlights the contest’s enduring place in World Cup lore.

What to expect from France and England

France enters the match with high expectations after a deep run, while England arrives fresh off a near‑miss against Argentina in the semifinals. Both sides know a third‑place finish will add a medal, a payout, and extra stats to their players’ resumes.

The game also offers a chance for rising stars to shine in a high‑profile setting. Fans can anticipate a competitive battle as each nation seeks to close its tournament with a win.