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England faces France in World Cup bronze final amid criticism

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 6:38 AM

Last updated Jul 17, 2026

England faces France in World Cup bronze final amid criticism

Summary

England will play against France in the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup on Saturday in Miami, just three days after losing to Argentina in the semifinals. The match, often regarded as meaningless by players and fans, has drawn criticism due to its perceived futility in the context of the tournament. Managers Thomas Tuchel and Kieran Jackson have expressed concerns over player motivation and injury risks after the intense competition. The historical significance of the third-place playoff is overshadowed by the players' exhaustion and the lack of interest in the match's outcome.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

By the Numbers

•England plays France on July 20, 2026, in Miami.
•Both teams are coming off semifinals losses.
•Criticism of the match's purpose highlights players' lack of motivation.
•Thomas Tuchel comments on the challenge of motivating weary players.
•The match has been labeled as 'the best of the semi-final losers'.

Latest Updates

6:38 AMYahoo Sports — Bronze final? How about World Cup’s most pointless match? Why Fifa should bin off third-place play-off

What they're saying

"
WORLD CUP 2026: Three days after the biggest loss of their careers, England’s squad have to go again and take on Kylian Mbappe’s France on Saturday in Miami. And Kieran Jackson argues: who even cares?
— Yahoo Sports

Related Teams & Leagues

Inter Miami Soccer