Before the final, there's one more game. France against England, two fallen giants, meeting for the bronze medal. Both had their semi-final dreams crushed, but there's still pride, a Golden Boot, and a World Cup medal on the line. Here's everything you need before kick-off.

Watch our full third-place preview above, then read on for the story, the stars and the stakes.

The game nobody wanted

This is the fixture nobody plans for. Two of the pre-tournament favourites, France and England, meet in the third-place play-off just days after their dreams were crushed. France were beaten 2-0 by Spain; England led Argentina, then collapsed to a 2-1 defeat in the dying minutes. There's a weather subplot too: the game is set for Miami, where thunderstorms are forecast and FIFA's lightning protocol is on standby.

Full story: France vs England: a bronze-medal game overshadowed by Tuchel and Mbappé

France: a reckoning after Spain

France arrived as favourites, and the manner of their exit has stung. Beaten, outthought and second best against Spain. Kylian Mbappé took aim at the tactics afterwards, suggesting France should have gone man-to-man and admitting Spain were superior in midfield. Didier Deschamps complained to FIFA about the referee, while acknowledging his side were second best. After years of success, one of the most decorated managers in the game is firmly under the microscope.

Mbappé: a record, and a reckoning

For Kylian Mbappé, another World Cup ends short of the ultimate prize. But the milestones keep coming: against Spain, he set a new French record for World Cup appearances, and he is still only in his twenties. There's a prize to chase, too. Mbappé remains near the top of the Golden Boot race, and this is his last chance to add to his tally.

England: living with the collapse

England's exit was the cruellest kind, ahead of Argentina with the final in sight, then undone late. Thomas Tuchel has taken the brunt of the criticism for the passive approach that let Argentina back in, but the FA have backed him through to Euro 2028. And there's something to play for: England have not finished in the top three at a World Cup since they won it in 1966. A bronze here would be their best result in sixty years.

Kane: the captain, still chasing

Harry Kane's search for a major trophy with England goes on. But records are within reach: he passed Pelé's World Cup goal tally on this run and remains in the Golden Boot hunt. Pointing to Lionel Messi, who won it all in his mid-thirties, Kane insists he has more World Cups left in him. There's a nice subplot, too: he faces his Bayern Munich team-mate Michael Olise, one of France's brightest sparks, on the opposite side.

The verdict

On paper it's a coin flip, two bruised heavyweights on tired legs, both likely to rotate on a 72-hour turnaround. It may come down to who wants it more, and to the stars, Mbappé and Kane, chasing that Golden Boot and one last moment of joy in a bitter week. There's a medal, there's an individual prize, and there's pride. For these teams, right now, that will have to be enough.

Next up: the final, Spain vs Argentina, in New York. Subscribe on YouTube so you never miss it.

Compiled by the ClutchBrief Desk with AI assistance, cross-checked against 6 outlets. How we work →