England held on at the end to beat France 6-4 in a ludicrous World Cup 2026 bronze final in Miami, having almost squandered a four-goal lead before falling over the line in Miami
The game that nobody wants to play saw the Three Lions brush off Argentina’s heartbreaking late show in Atlanta on Wednesday as they roared into a 4-0 first-half lead. Declan Rice rifled home a long-range stunner with just three minutes on the clock before Ezri Konsa nodded in Rice’s corner on 18 minutes and Bukayo Saka bagged two goals in the final eight minutes of the first half to seemingly wrap things up.
But after presumably being given a half-time rocket by departing coach Didier Deschamps – in his final game after 14 years at the helm – Les Bleus came out firing after the break as Kylian Mbappe slotted home to take the lead in his hard-fought Golden Boot battle with Lionel Messi, Bradley Barcola narrowed the gap to 4-2 before the hour mark and Mbappe then became the World Cup’s all-time top scorer with his second goal on 67 minutes to move France just a goal behind.
Saka converted an 86th-minute penalty to complete his hat-trick, yet Ousmane Dembele’s injury-time effort made it 5-4 and gave Les Bleus a couple of minutes to find an equaliser. However, they were finally finished off once and for all when Jude Bellingham danced through the defence and dummied his way to a sixth England goal as the Three Lions won a World Cup third-place playoff for the first time in their history.
Follow all the action with our live blog below:
England v France – World Cup 2026 bronze final
- England beat France 6-4 in wild World Cup bronze final match
- Three Lions roar into 4-0 first-half lead before France hit back to within one but England hold on
- REPORT: England finally play like World Cup winners as 10-goal epic with France reveals what might have been
- Kylian Mbappe overtakes Lionel Messi in race for Golden Boot and becomes all-time World Cup top scorer
- FULL-TIME! Three Lions hold on to win 6-4
- HALF-TIME! England race into 4-0 lead over France
WATCH: The passing of the torch from Messi to Yamal?
09:00 , Luke Baker
As a quick look ahead to this evening’s final, Miguel Delaney discusses whether there will be a passing of the torch from Lionel Messi to Lamine Yamal.
Updated list of World Cup all-time top scorers
08:29 , Luke Baker
Here’s how the all-time World Cup top goalscorers’ list looks now.
22 Kylian Mbappe, France
21 Lionel Messi, Argentina
16 Miroslav Klose, Germany
15 Ronaldo, Brazil
14 Gerd Muller, West Germany
14 Harry Kane, England
13 Just Fontaine, France
12 Pele, Brazil
11 Sandor Kocsis, Hungary
11 Jurgen Klinsmann, West Germany
11 Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal
World Cup record 'not the first thing' on Mbappe's mind
08:02 , Luke Baker
Kylian Mbappe enjoyed a good day from a personal perspective, taking the lead over Lionel Messi in the Golden Boot race and becoming the World Cup’s all-time top scorer, again ahead of the Argentine.
But that did little to make the French star feel better about not reaching the final.
“Messi is going to score (on Sunday), that's for sure,” said Mbappe. “I'm just trying to help my team win.
“When you score a lot of goals at the World Cup, it puts you in a certain category,.
"I would have preferred not to be the all-time top scorer and to be playing tomorrow's match. It's good in terms of legacy, but today it's not the first thing on my mind."
Bellingham seals it for England
07:30 , Luke Baker
Here’s how Jude Bellingham sealed the most remarkable of victories for England last night
Jude Bellingham grabbing England's SIXTH goal against France! 🦁
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 18, 2026
Driving over the halfway line before firing a shot into the bottom corner 🔥👏 pic.twitter.com/l0B0BVs548
Kylian Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record
07:01 , Luke Baker
Kylian Mbappe has broken Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record after striking twice against England in the third place play-off of this year’s tournament.
The France No 10 nudged his total up to 22 goals across his career on football’s biggest stage, with 10 goals this summer, edging past Messi in the battle to win the golden boot.
Mbappe has only required 22 games to match Messi’s historic record, compared to Argentina legend’s 32 appearances, a record in itself, with Mbappe maintaining an astonishing average of 1.00 goal per game.
Kylian Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Mbappe hunting consolation prize with Messi in final
06:30 , Luke Baker
Unsurprisingly, the 10 goals there have shaken up the Golden Boot race... Check out the full standings ahead of Lionel Messi trying to win the award tomorrow evening.
World Cup Golden Boot standings and tie-breaker rules as Messi leads Mbappe
England finally play like World Cup winners as 10-goal epic with France reveals what might have been
06:03 , Luke Baker
When England played like World Cup winners, it was after the World Cup had already been lost. In a confusing, chaotic game, instead of going for gold, they brought home bronze.
For 45 minutes, England played like world-beaters; for 45, like a team who could be beaten from 4-0 up.
By the end, Bukayo Saka had become just the fourth Englishman to score a World Cup hat-trick, joining Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham had made them the first team ever to score six goals against France in this competition.
But a result that would have been celebrated euphorically in another context should come with a sense of regret: given that they have only performed fitfully, where was this England against Argentina? Or even against Norway, DR Congo, Panama and Ghana?
Read Richard Jolly’s full report from a wild evening:
England at last play like World Cup winners as epic reveals what might have been
Tuchel pays tribute to Bukayo Saka
05:02 , Luke Baker
It’s been an up and down tournament for Bukayo Saka but Thomas Tuchel paid tribute to the Arsenal star after his hat-trick in Miami.
”He did everything right,” said Tuchel. “I had a feeling in the semi-final for Rogers. That he would be involved in something special. That was it.
"The games in itself demands so much, so much focus on changes because of cramps and flow of the games.
"Bukayo showed that he is a key player. There is never a doubt. I wasn't aware he had a hat-trick. I lost the overview of the goalscorers, but brilliant."
Jude Bellingham seals the deal for England
04:03 , Luke Baker
It was nervy right until the last but then Jude Bellingham finally put the cherry on the 6-4 England win.
What TV channel is the World Cup final on? How to watch every game live in the UK
03:01 , Luke Baker
The end of the 2026 World Cup is nigh, making every moment between now and Sunday’s final unmissable.
Every single game from the competition has been available to watch on free-to-air TV for UK viewers., with the BBC and ITV sharing coverage right through to the decider.
And the final is no different:
What TV channel is the World Cup final on?
'This team has created something very special' says Tuchel
02:02 , Luke Baker
Speaking after the match, Tuchel said: “We had a brilliant first half and then a turbulent second half. You could see the difference of what one day makes and the difference in the schedule. We are so, so tired and drained from the last weeks.
"So a massive compliment and full respect - the mentality that we showed. Going through all the adversity is absolutely brilliant.
"I was afraid of the physical demands of the match. We know the quality and speed of France, and they have much less schedule for them. It was less demanding.
"They had one more day in-between the semi-final to digest, and they had way less travel distances than us.
"We played in the heat, at altitude. I was worried physically. You could see it in the second half, the cramps and all the tiredness, but I was never worried about the mentality.
"I have said it before, this team has created something very special, and they showed it again."
Kylian Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record
01:30 , Luke Baker
Kylian Mbappe has broken Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record after striking twice against England in the third place play-off of this year’s tournament.
The France No 10 nudged his total up to 22 goals across his career on football’s biggest stage, with 10 goals this summer, edging past Messi in the battle to win the golden boot.
Mbappe has only required 22 games to match Messi’s historic record, compared to Argentina legend’s 32 appearances, a record in itself, with Mbappe maintaining an astonishing average of 1.00 goal per game.
Kylian Mbappe breaks Lionel Messi’s all-time World Cup top goalscorer record
Bronze joy for England
01:20 , Luke Baker
Bronze medals handed out to England. They’re doing a decent job of looking pretty pleased, to be fair
Thomas Tuchel reveals how close England are to closing the gap to top nations
01:01 , Luke Baker
In his post-match interview Thomas Tuchel was asked how close England are to closing the gap to the top nations.
“You could see I think everything. We have the ability to close it, but they have the ability to open it up again,” said Tuchel.
"Eight years ago they [France] were the champions. Four years ago they were in the final. There is a slight gap, but no problem. We want to close it.
"I said yesterday that today is the first step to closing it. We did it. We beat them. The next one will be Spain in the Nations League.
"To see a team fight like this gives you energy. The tiredness will come after. We will still feel the pain when tomorrow is the final. This will take a while, but overall it gives me more energy than it takes from me."
World Cup 2026 Golden Boot standings: Mbappe hunting consolation prize with Messi in final
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:53 , Luke Baker
Unsurprisingly, the 10 goals there have shaken up the Golden Boot race... Check out the full standings ahead of Lionel Messi trying to win the award tomorrow evening.
World Cup Golden Boot standings and tie-breaker rules as Messi leads Mbappe
Highest-scoring World Cup games in history
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:45 , Luke Baker
Just the 10 goals this evening then... This one enters the pantheon tied fifth in all-time highest-scoring World Cup matches
12 goals
- Austria 7-5 Switzerland - 1954
11 goals
- Brazil 6-5 Poland - 1938
- Hungary 8-3 West Germany - 1954
- Hungary 10-1 El Salvador - 1982
10 goals
- France 7-3 Paraguay - 1958
- France 4-6 England - 2026
Bukayo Saka reflects on England win
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:36 , Luke Baker
Slightly bittersweet for tonight’s player of the match Bukayo Saka, who bagged a hat-trick, and he spoke to BBC Sport after receiving the award.
“It was a crazy, crazy game,” said Saka. “We're still quite disappointed to not be in the final but it was about finishing strong and for us giving the country the best finish in the World Cup in 60-odd years, so we're happy with the final result.
"I think the first half went for us. We won the first half, they won the second half and in the end we got the two goals to win the game, so I'd say that's how the game went."
On Jude Bellingham ‘giving him’ the penalty: "No, Jude was never taking it. He was the first one to say go and get your hat-trick, so none of them came to distract me. I was always going to take it."
On not playing more this World Cup: "Of course I would love to have played more but it's too late to talk about that. I try to do my talking on the pitch and it's done now, move on. I'm fit."
On how he looks back on England's tournament: "We built and built across the tournament. We had some amazing results and in the end we fell short against Argentina. It hurts a lot to all of us and I'm sure it's the same to the fans back home but we have to hold out head high and focus on the next one."
On noise around the manager: "I think that's just part of the game. When you win there's going to be noise, when you win there's going to be noise, it's how you react to it, how you use it as fuel and today we finished strong and that's all we could really do and we did that."
England finally play like World Cup winners as 10-goal epic with France reveals what might have been
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:28 , Luke Baker
When England played like World Cup winners, it was after the World Cup had already been lost. In a confusing, chaotic game, instead of going for gold, they brought home bronze.
For 45 minutes, England played like world-beaters; for 45, like a team who could be beaten from 4-0 up.
By the end, Bukayo Saka had become just the fourth Englishman to score a World Cup hat-trick, joining Geoff Hurst, Gary Lineker and Harry Kane, and Jude Bellingham had made them the first team ever to score six goals against France in this competition.
But a result that would have been celebrated euphorically in another context should come with a sense of regret: given that they have only performed fitfully, where was this England against Argentina? Or even against Norway, DR Congo, Panama and Ghana?
Read Richard Jolly’s full report from a wild evening:
England at last play like World Cup winners as epic reveals what might have been
England receive bronze medals
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:23 , Luke Baker
England players are now receiving their bronze medals on the pitch and posing for the team photo.
Dare I say it will do little to diminish the pain of Wednesday’s semi-final defeat.
Kylian Mbappe makes history
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:20 , Luke Baker
Not France’s day in the end but Kylian Mbappe had a good day on a personal level.
His two goals took him above Lionel Messi in the race for the Golden Boot and he became the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history for good measure.
Messi, of course, has a chance to respond tomorrow evening.
Full-time: England 6-4 France
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:04 , James Hicken
What a game of football!! From what looked like could have been a runaway victory for England, ends up being one of the best games of the entire tournament.
GOAL!!! England 6-4 France
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:02 , James Hicken
90+8 mins: Jude Bellingham takes the national record for goals at a World Cup from Gary Lineker!
Bellingham charges down the pitch, and dances through two Frenchmen before throwing out three dummies and slotting home to give England their sixth and his seventh at the tournament.
Goal!! England 5-4 France
Sunday 19 July 2026 00:02 , James Hicken
90+6 mins: Never count them out!! Upamecano intercepts a loose pass, drives forward and finds Dembele out on the wing who skips by a defender and slots in home across Henderson.
England 5-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:58 , James Hicken
90+5: Spence, after another world class performance, has gone down with cramp.
But it must be said, this has been a breakout tournament for the Spurs full-back, proving a lot of critics wrong.
Expect to see a lot more of him.
Substitution: England 5-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:56 , James Hicken
90+3: Chalobah makes his second England appearance, replacing Guehi.
Substitution: England 5-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:55 , James Hicken
90+1 mins: Kounde comes on for Gusto
England 5-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:53 , James Hicken
90 mins: We are into the final throws of this game and all England need to do now is keep a hold of the ball...but we have said that before.
Goal!! England 5-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:51 , James Hicken
86 mins: What a moment for Saka!!! A World Cup hat-trick and a beautiful moment, exorcizing the demons of 2022.
Bellingham looked to be stepping up but instead decided to give it to his teammate in a touching show of support and loyalty,
Penalty!! England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:49 , James Hicken
84 mins: Bellingham finds a wonder ball out to Rogers who spots the overlapping run of Spence who beats the Gusto for pace who desperately tries and brings him down. A clear penalty.
Up steps Saka...
Substitution: England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:47 , James Hicken
83 mins: Quansah has gone down injured which has prompted Tuchel to replace him with Reece James
England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:45 , James Hicken
81 mins: Just seconds after Bellingham almost scored, such is this game, France do the very same. Olise plays a wonderful pass to Dembele who opts not to shoot and instead gives it back to Olise who once again puts it wide and ends up with his head in his hands.
Substitutions: England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:43 , James Hicken
79 mins: Tuchel finally decides to make a change - he brings off Toney and Eze for Bellingham and Anderson.
In desperate need of their intensity.
England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:38 , James Hicken
75 mins: That was an excellent chance as Olise receives the ball just inside the box, but just opens his foot up a bit too much and puts it high and wide.
England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:37 , James Hicken
73 mins: England are looking to regain control of this contest with a bit of possession - hoping to starve France of any of the ball as they look like scoring every time they have it.
Hydration break: England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:34 , James Hicken
Substitutions are needed for England here - France have been enjoying the benefit of a new intensity and some fresh legs which has left some tired legs for England.
France look a totally different team, its hard to comprehend. From a disjointed attack to total football inside 20 minutes of the second-half.
That is not to say England haven't had chances, but they have become few and far between. This is one of the biggest momentum swings in World Cup history.
Congratulations to Mbappe who now stands alone as the leading scorer in a single World Cup, overtaking Brazil’s Ronaldo.
Goal!! England 4-3 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:31 , James Hicken
67 mins: Mbappe has done it again!! Olise leaves a great dummy for Mbappe who plays a sumptuous one-two with the Bayern player and finished it with power and precision.
England are looking incredibly vulnerable
England 4-2 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:29 , James Hicken
65 mins: Dembele mishits a near perfect chance and Henderson happily collects.
France are back on top now after England have had few good chances to try and reinstate a more comfortable lead.
England 4-2 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:25 , James Hicken
61 mins: A lazy pass from Rogers is almost punished as Olise, who pushed his shot wide of the mark.
Rice is beginning to look tired - he was struggling to track back to stop Olise.
England 4-2 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:23 , James Hicken
59 mins: Another searching corner from Rice is headed goalward by Toney, but Maignan pulls off a cat-like save, dropping to his right-hand side to stop it finding the net.
England 4-2 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:22 , James Hicken
57 mins: England look shell shocked here, France have given back their first half intensity with interest. Every throw-in and every goal kick is being taken quickly and holes in England’s line are emerging quickly.
If France can sustain this when England make more changes, its going to be a long final third of the game for the Three Lions.
Goal!! England 4-2 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:19 , James Hicken
54 mins: This game is officially back on as a stationary England are punished by a stunning ball to Barcola, who has all the time in the world to slot it past Henderson.
Its a completely different France team, they are playing angry now. They will not be embarrassed
England 4-1 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:15 , James Hicken
51 mins: This is much much better from France, They are pressing high and playing everything quick and early.
Whatever Deschamps said in the dressing room, clearly worked.
Goal!! England 4-1 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:12 , James Hicken
48 mins: That is exactly the response Deschamps would have wanted. Upamecano dispossesses Watkins and the ball finds its way to Olise who slides it through the disjointed England defence to Mbappe who was never going to miss.
Much more intensity from the French already.
And of course, in the race for the Golden Boot, Mbappe now moves ahead of Lionel Messi. Not bad for what could be a consolation goal.
England 4-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:09 , James Hicken
We are back underway for the second-half in this bizarre Bronze Final as England look to pick up where they left off and France will be hoping to scrub that first 45 mins from the record.
France are bringing on the big guns as Hernandez, Konate, Doue and Cherki make way for Digne, Upamecano, Barcola and Dembele.
Its a single change for England as Rashford is replaced by Ollie Watkins who makes his first appearance since the game against Panama.
A telling statistic
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:07 , James Hicken
France have not conceded four goals in the first half in any game since a European Championship qualification game against Yugoslavia, yes, Yugoslavia, in...1968
Anthony Barry 'emotional' at first-half performance
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:05 , Luke Baker
England coach Anthony Barry is always good value in his half-time interviews and this one is no different. He admits he’s emotional at how the players have responded to Wednesday’s heartbreak.
“I’m a little bit emotional,” says Barry. “I can’t find the words to describe just how proud I am of these players. They’re playing the game with broken hearts. I see 11 lads out on the field with broken hearts. I’ve seen them in the hotel the last two days with broken hearts.
“That they can build a performance like that just through pride of playing for England, the team spirit we’ve built over the last seven weeks, it’s great to watch.
“I know what the cynics will say, it’s too late, but we still play against a world-class opponent and that 45 minutes, I’m so proud of the boys.”
Where are France?
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:05 , James Hicken
Since the first minute there has been no impetus and no aggression either in attack or defence.
Going forward, Mbappe is giving it his best but he cannot do it on his own. Every time they looked to be able to get a ball into the box there were no blue shirts waiting for its arrival. It is very disjointed.
In defence, their line is sitting so high that any time they lose the ball, England have a huge chunk of space between the French line and and the halfway line that has lead to some lethal counter attacks.
Is it tired legs or is it the disappointment of crashing out manifesting itself?
Speed, power and precision
Saturday 18 July 2026 23:00 , James Hicken
Saka, Rice, Eze and Rashford have been at the bleeding edge of England’s attack. The composure and willingness to attack at full speed and chase every ball has been the reason for the ease of which they are scoring - France just can’t keep up.
This is the game of England players who believe they should be in the final, they are playing with broken hearts and the bit between their teeth
Half-time: England 4-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:52 , James Hicken
At a loss for words, that is the best half of football England have played all tournament. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what has changed.
England are playing sharp football around a tired looking France who have barely had a sniff, save a couple of moments from Mbappe.
To single out one England player would be to do the rest a disservice, it has been a wonderful team performance, every man is giving it their all.
Goal!! England 4-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:49 , James Hicken
47 mins: Its happened again! Eze turned Zaire-Emery and finds the perfect pass into Saka who unleashes an early shot across goal, beating Maignan who couldn’t even get down.
England are resurgent and France look completely out of it
Where was this on Wednesday?
WATCH: Saka nets bizarre England third
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:45 , Luke Baker
Here’s that third England goal. Frankly tragic defending from France, whose defensive line was literally halfway in the England half, but Rashford and Saka combine on the counter
The Three Lions lead France by three goals! 🦁🔥
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 18, 2026
Bukayo Saka finishing off a quick England counter-attack ⚽ pic.twitter.com/9SCfE3uH3v
England 3-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:43 , James Hicken
42 mins: There is space everywhere for England, it seems Gusto has relinquished his duties at right-back as Rashford is free once again and nearly finds the feet of Toney in the six-yard box.
Even with a day less recovery, England are running the French off the pitch.
GOAL!! England 3-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:39 , James Hicken
37 mins: England are running away with it. Saka collects the ball at halfway and releases Rashford who has his initial shot saved, Saka then follows up and its saved again.
Rashford then collects the loose ball, takes a second to survey the landscape and hands it back to Saka who nets it.
France are sitting so high in attack that England can’t help but score.
England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:37 , James Hicken
35 mins: Truly end-to-end stuff. Just after Rashford’s shot France find a sensational ball over to Mbappe who dances through three defenders and takes a shot at Henderson who makes a diving save.
England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:35 , James Hicken
34 mins: What an unbelievable bit of skill from Rashford who flicks it in-between Zaire-Emery’s legs. He then lets fly from 30-yards and forces a great save from Maignan.
The ball looked destined for the top left.
England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:33 , James Hicken
31 mins: England have control over the ball now and are fairly effortlessly playing it from left to right.
There are few walkers wearing blue already which is not a good sign, England seem much more up for this.
England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:30 , James Hicken
28 mins: Another chance for France as Doue finds a tight pass into Mbappe who tried to sneak it past Henderson, who got a deflection, allowing Guehi to stop it going over the line - although it was offside anyway.
France looking the more lively bunch now as England have looked to get control over possession and slow things down a bit.
WATCH: Ezri Konsa nods home England's second
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:28 , Luke Baker
And here’s England’s second goal. Neatly done by Konsa as Rice adds an assist to his tally
The Three Lions double their lead! 🦁⚽
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 18, 2026
Ezri Konsa rises highest from Declan Rice's corner to head home 🙌 pic.twitter.com/8BfI1LSDOQ
Hydration break: England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:26 , James Hicken
France have once again playing like a team of individuals, and have had moments of brilliance but nothing is coming together just yet - England’s defence is holding for now.
In attack England have been finding space all over the park - Saka and Rashford are having an easy time out on the wings, with almost unlimited space to get dangerous passes into the box - long may it continue.
England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:23 , James Hicken
23 mins: Mbappe is given much too space outside the box and lets fly.
Its not a bad effort but Henderson is happy to see it sail past his post.
Goal! England 2-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:20 , James Hicken
18 mins: Its another one! Just seconds after Saka was away and had a shot deflected by Lacroix to win a corner.
Declan Rice plays in a vintage cross to the salmon-like Konsa who nestles it in the bottom right.
That's a goal and an assist for Rice, inside 20 minutes
England 1-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:16 , James Hicken
15 mins: France are now awake and Mbappe is looking dangerously quick on the ball.
England are doing well to get back behind the ball and stop the crosses as they come in.
Denied! England 1-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:13 , James Hicken
12 mins: Saka is put through again down the right-hand side and cuts back in and finishes into the bottom left, but the flag goes up as he is a half-yard offside
As of writing, France have just gone up the other end and had a chance of their own - they are pulling no punches here.
England 1-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:11 , James Hicken
11 mins: France are finding their feet. Doue has a snap shot saved well by Henderson
WATCH: Declan Rice scores stunning opening goal
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:09 , Luke Baker
A lovely strike from Declan Rice and a dream start for England!
It's a quick start from England! 🦁⚡
— Match of the Day (@BBCMOTD) July 18, 2026
Declan Rice fires home the opener in the third minute against France ⚽ pic.twitter.com/ID4u3rXOuM
England 1-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:09 , James Hicken
9 mins: Its been a frantic start. England are having the better of it by far, but France have already threatened on the counter attack.
England 1-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:08 , James Hicken
7 mins: England have really come to play as Konsa picks out Saka on the right wing, who stutters and puts in a cross which find Rashford.
Rashford can only get his shot as far as Gusto who defects it. France need to wake up.
Goal!!! England 1-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:06 , James Hicken
3 mins: What a strike from Rice, he beautifully intercepts a pass from Doue on the halfway line and drives it to the edge of the penalty area and slots it expertly into the bottom right corner.
Advantage England, what a start.
England 0-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:03 , James Hicken
2 mins: A positive start for England as Rashford swings in a whipping cross that nearly finds the head of new addition Toney.
Kick-off! England 0-0 France
Saturday 18 July 2026 22:01 , James Hicken
We are underway in the Bronze final, the last dance for two tournament favourites, relegated to fighting for third.
Can Mbappe overtake Messi? Can England claim their second best World Cup finish of all-time? Let’s find out
It's almost time for England and France's last dance at the 2026 World Cup
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:58 , James Hicken
Whilst both teams feel forced into playing a game they would rather not - do no think that will diminish the competitive spirit in this game. With little on the line other than bragging rights, both sets of players will be trying to play expansive and creative football...hopefully.
There is the added motivation, given both managers have made seven changes, the players who finally have a start will want to prove that they should have been given an opportunity.
Kick off is just minutes away, strap in.
Tough conditions expected in Miami
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:55 , James Hicken
Against Argentina, both teams had the benefit of a roofed and air conditioned stadium - they will not have the benefit of such luxuries today.
Temperatures will reach 32 degrees - a brutal test for any team.
Thomas Tuchel booed at Miami Stadium...
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:50 , Luke Baker
Thomas Tuchel may not be the most popular man in Miami right now...
The England boss was booed when his name was read out and picture shown ahead of the match at Miami Stadium.
Those decisions in the semi-final on Wednesday clearly coming home to roost. Ouch...
Last time out in Miami
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:50 , James Hicken
Last time England played at the Miami Stadium it was a 2-1 win against Norway to advance to the semi-finals...happier times.
Tuchel on his selection for tonight's game
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:44 , James Hicken
Tuchel was asked by the BBC about his exclusion of Kane and Bellingham despite talking about how important this game, as the opportunity for England’s best finish for 60 years.
"It's just common sense,” Tuchel explained. “We have so many kilometres in the legs. We have so many travel kilometres in our bones. We have a day less recovery. We come from 10 men in altitude. We come from overtime here in Miami. These two guys, they gave everything physically in every match,. They were ready to go again but we keep them and have them to finish the match for us."
He was also questioned on the inclusion of Saka and Rice who have both been concerns through injury and illness throughout the tournament.
“No, never because Declan gets more and more fit,” Tuchel said. “He gets his fitness back and his health back and for Bukayo there's no concerns. He didn't start, he didn't play in the semi-finals. He's a key player for us and ready to go."
FIFA 'Power rankings' - Top 10 attackers
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:38 , James Hicken
FIFA have compiled a statistical list of the best attackers at this rendition of the World Cup and the collation of this data leaves a score out of 10. The top ten are:
- Mbappe - 8.93
- Messi - 8.93
- Bellingham - 8.22
- Haaland - 7.74
- De Ketelaere - 7.31
- Dembele - 7.21
- Vinicius Junior - 7.17
- Manzambi - 7.11
- Quinones - 7.05
- Kane - 6.92
'A big one to play in even if it does not feel like it' - Tuchel's pre-match thoughts
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:32 , James Hicken
"We have the chance to have the best World Cup finish since 60 years, so it's quite a big one to play in even if it does not feel like it at all." Tuchel told the BBC
“Until the semi-final I think everyone would agree that France are top favourites in this tournament. They won eight years ago. They were in the final four years ago. They were in the Nations League final. They were on their way to the final and seemed the strongest team in the tournament and in the strongest form and had a total day off in the semi-final and got knocked out.
"It tells you we're on the same stage as them, playing for third place, very, very difficult opponent but like I said yesterday we feel that there's still a slight gap between us and the top three teams. Today we try to close that gap and compete and try to get that win because it's an important one for us."
Morgan Rogers to Chelsea
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:25 , James Hicken
Just this afternoon it has been reported that Chelsea and Aston Villa have agreed a £117 million deal for the 23 year old who will start against France tonight.
The mercurial talent will sign a reported six year deal and will go for his medical at Chelsea once he has returned from his international duties.
Arsenal were in the race for Roger’s services but Chelsea and Xabi Alonso have won that race it would seem.
Time to get warm
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:19 , James Hicken
The substitutes
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:13 , James Hicken
England: Anderson, Bellingham, Burn, Chalobah, Gordon, Henderson, James, Kane, Madueke, O’Reilly, Pickford, Stones, Trafford, Watkins.
France: Alikouche, Barcola, Dembele, Digne, L. Hernandez, Kante, Kone, Kounde, Mateta, Risser, Saliba, Bamba, Tchouameni, Thuram, Upamecano
'Chance to prove I should have got more minutes' - Ivan Toney on finally being given the nod
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:09 , James Hicken
“Its been tough, obviously we all thought it was the one, unfortunate it wasn't but we have to regroup, we have to pick ourselves up and we have to try and finish the tournament on a high.
“I've always been hungry for this opportunity. It was frustrating that I only got a few minutes that's how football goes sometimes. Today is my chance to prove I should have got more minutes maybe.
“Hopefully we can bring goals and hopefully finish the tournament on a win.”
The captain and his men arrive
Saturday 18 July 2026 21:02 , James Hicken
No surprises as Mbappe starts among many changes for France.
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:58 , James Hicken
It looks as though, to the best of his ability, has kept the spine of his team intact with Rabiot, Mbappe, Olise and Maignan keeping their starting places, but it is all change elsewhere as Cherki gets the start some have thought he deserved.
Out wide, Barcola, Dembele, Digne and Kounde are all to sit the bench as well.
Mbappe is on the hunt for the Golden Boot...
Seven changes for Tuchel as Toney makes surprise start.
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:51 , James Hicken
Tuchel has gone big on changes to his starting team, bringing in six new starters - Henderson, Quansah, Eze, Rashford, Saka, Konsa and Toney.
Pickford, James, Bellingham, Gordon, John Stones, Harry Kane and Elliot Anderson are all resigned to the bench and Rogers moves back to central midfield.
Kane’s exclusion also means that Rice will take the armband
Mainoo has also been ruled out through injury and will end his World Cup with no minutes played.
The rest of the team are not far behind
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:45 , James Hicken
Here we go! Starting line-ups confirmed
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:43 , James Hicken
Here are England and Frances starting teams for the FIFA 2026 World Cup Bronze Final.
England: Henderson, Quansah, Konsa, Guehi, Spence, Rice, Saka, Eze, Rogers, Rashford, Toney.
France: Maignan, Gusto, Konate, Lacroix, Hernandez, Zaire-Emery, Rabiot, Olise, Cherki, Doue, Mbappe
Bellingham arrives at the Miami Stadium
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:42 , James Hicken
History of the Bronze Final and what does it mean?
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:35 , James Hicken
The Bronze Final or what used to be known as the third-place play off was introduced in the second instalment of the World Cup in 1934 and Germany beat Austria 3-2, before that it was more simply decided on goal difference.
It seems strange to make two teams battle it out in a tournament where only first place matters, which is true, but there is the rigmarole of it having an impact on the world rankings which in turn impact seedings and brackets at subsequent tournaments - so there is a modicum of something to fight for...maybe.
It is a big opportunity for players, now the team prize is out of the picture, to go for an individual award because of being given the extra consolation game. Mbappe, Kane and Bellingham might all have their eyes on the Golden Boot in tonight’s game.
'He can't really complain too much' - Redknapp on if Tuchel gets sacked
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:29 , James Hicken
"If he were to go, he can't really complain too much because the decisions he made in that semi-final were just not good enough," Redknapp told Sky Sports. "They weren't elite and when you want to win World Cups you have to make big decisions.
"When you make substitutions that go to a back five and that completely backfires against you, you have to take the consequences. And the consequences when you're the England manager normally mean that there's a change.
Fans gathering outside the Miami Stadium
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:23 , James Hicken
Do England have enough to hold France back?
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:16 , James Hicken
It has been a running theme throughout this World Cup that England were struggling defensively against high-calibre attacks. This argument came to a heart breaking conclusion when Argentina scored two late goals to come back and win the game.
England despite sitting back and having six defenders on the pitch, could not stop Messi and Argentina from breaking through. France have a much higher quality attack - Mbappe, Dembele, Barcola and Doue have been in rotation all tournament, which in the eyes of many could be too much for England to handle in the wide areas.
But given the lack of stakes in this game, Deschamps is expected to make myriad changes to his team with players like Mateta and Thuram expected to be given minutes. This sounds more manageable but it will still have to be another mammoth effort from whoever Tuchel decides to give that task of defending the goal.
The setting for tonight's Bronze Final - the Miami Stadium
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:10 , James Hicken
Harry Kane - one last game to prove he is Ballon D'Or worthy
Saturday 18 July 2026 20:04 , James Hicken
Harry Kane has had perhaps one of the best season’s and summers of his whole career. He has netted 61 times for his club, Bayern Munich and a further six times at this World Cup, a goal scoring record equalling the efforts of some of the greatest of all-time.
Before the World Cup, he was one of the favourites for the trophy alongside, Dembele, Yamal and Mbappe. He only further cemented this in the tournament by, alongside Bellingham, carrying England’s hopes all the way to the semi-finals.
But now he and the other remaining favourites, aside from Yamal, have been eliminated from the tournament, but have been given one last chance to put on a show to sway the voters in their favour.
Messi has also seen a surge in calls for him to receive the award due to his stratospheric performances for Argentina.
An almost fitting farewell for Deschamps
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:58 , James Hicken
The French national hero, has represented his country 290 times - 103 times as a player and 187 times as the manager.
He will end his managerial tenure for France the same way he ended his playing career, against England. The only thing that could have made it sweeter for Deschamps was it it was, of course, the final.
Deschamps has had a glittering career as a manager, bringing France back from the brink to World Champions in 2018 and runners-up in 2022 - ushering a new generation of young French superstars.
Neither team is where they want to be - but they have to make do.
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:53 , James Hicken
Both Tuchel and Deschamps have echoed each other’s sentiment in a reluctance to take part in this upcoming bronze match.
“None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,” Tuchel said after the Argentina defeat. “They want to play the final. We gave everything to achieve that. Everyone plays to win the World Cup, but that’s how it is.”
“We’re not where we wanted or expected to be,” Deschamps said. “The disappointment matches our ambitions, but we have to accept it.”
Mbappe pays tribute to the departing Deschamps
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:47 , James Hicken
This bronze match represents the last of Didier Deschamps reign as France head coach.
His star player and captain, Mbappe, has paid a touching tribute to his coach in a post on X today:
“Today marks your final dance. You gave us so much. We should have given you a better send-off, but we failed.
“It is hard to put into words what you contributed over the past 14 years, given how pivotal you were to this team’s resurgence. People didn’t always appreciate your greatness, but time and history will set the record straight.
“Thank you for giving me the chance and the opportunity to represent my country on the biggest stage for so many years. I feel privileged to have stood alongside one of our country’s greatest legends, and I cherish the wonderful memories of everything we experienced and achieved together.
“I wish you the best in your new chapter, and thank you again for everything you brought to this jersey that means so much to us.”
Ibrahima Konate on the strange third place play-off
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
France defender Ibrahima Konate echoed England boss Thomas Tuchel’s thoughts that “no one wants” to play in the World Cup bronze medal match and admitted it will be far from easy.
Didier Deschamps’ final match as head coach will be a third-place play-off rather than a third successive global showpiece after European champions Spain beat Les Bleus 2-0 in Tuesday’s semi-final.
England are the opponents after their 2-1 semi-final collapse to reigning champions Argentina the following day, with boss Tuchel saying neither set of players “wants to play this match”.
France defender Konate shared those sentiments on the eve of the Miami encounter, saying: “Indeed, it was not the objective.
“How do we mobilise and motivate ourselves? Well, I believe that as French players for this team, many players would have loved to compete and play this game.
“I’m not saying it is easy. Far from it. I’ve read in the press that Tuchel said that no one wants to play this game. Well, it’s true that given the aim and objective we had.
“We wanted to play the final, but we are still representing France and it is the dream of many people to wear the shirt, the jersey, and sing the Marseillaise therefore we need to respect the jersey we’re wearing.”
Golden Boot stat that could give Mbappe hope
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:36 , James Hicken
Winning the Golden Boot now seems the only thing Mbappe has left to reach for and with speculation circulating that he may have a diminished role in their final game - he may find some additional motivation in that the history stands in his favour for the pursuit of the Golden Boot.
The last player to win the Golden Boot and lift the World Cup in the same year was Brazil’s Ronaldo in 2002, where he scored eight goals.
France bid adieu to Didier Deschamps and a legacy tied to one question
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Out at the semi-final stage, it’s farewell to Didier Deschamps for France. Richard Jolly writes on the manager’s legacy.
France bid adieu to Didier Deschamps and a legacy tied to one question
Bronze final? How about World Cup’s most pointless match? Why Fifa should retire third-place play-off
Saturday 18 July 2026 19:17 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Three days after the biggest loss of their careers, England’s squad have to go again and take on Kylian Mbappe’s France in Miami. And Kieran Jackson argues: who even cares?
Why Fifa should retire pointless World Cup third-place play-off
Click here to read the full blog on The Independent's website
