LIVE UPDATE: France 0-1 England World Cup 2026 third-place match – Follow all the action, goals and celebrations

England have won just one of their last nine meetings with France (D2, L6), with Les Bleus also eliminating the Three Lions from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Head-to-Head History

England have lost both of their previous third-place playoff matches, and another defeat would make them the first nation to lose three World Cup bronze-medal games.

Despite the disappointment, the Three Lions still have the opportunity to secure their best World Cup finish since lifting the trophy in 1966.

Thomas Tuchel’s tactical changes came under heavy criticism from supporters, who felt his defensive substitutions allowed Argentina back into the game.

England, meanwhile, suffered another painful World Cup semi-final exit after surrendering a late lead in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina.

The 57-year-old will oversee his 187th match as France coach—the most by any manager in the nation’s history—and heads into his farewell with an impressive 77% win rate across his 26 World Cup matches. France had won seven consecutive games before their loss to Spain, with six of those victories coming by at least two goals.

The third-place playoff marks Deschamps’ final game in charge of Les Bleus, ending a glittering tenure that delivered the 2018 World Cup title and a runners-up finish in 2022.

France’s hopes of ending Didier Deschamps’ remarkable reign with another World Cup triumph were dashed after a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Spain.

Match News and Current Form

Stay with us for live minute-by-minute updates, goals, key moments and celebrations as both European giants battle for the bronze medal.

Welcome to Africasoccer’s live blog of the World Cup 2026 third-place match between France and England.