World Cup 2026: France vs. England Predictions

France vs. England Overview and Latest Odds

As per the latest World Cup odds, France is the favorite to defeat England in the third-place playoff match. Goals scored in the third-place playoff count towards the World Cup Golden Boot odds, giving players motivation to perform well, alongside the pride and honor of representing their countries.

• Location: Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, United States

• Date & Time: Saturday, July 18, 5:00 PM ET

• US Broadcast: FOX Sports

For our readers who are unable to use traditional sportsbooks and betting sites, top US prediction market apps offer a legal alternative. These sites allow users to trade on the future outcomes of events, with the platforms offering accurate, real-time market forecasts.

Expert Betting Predictions and Best Bets for France vs. England

Here you can find our expert betting predictions and best bets for the World Cup third-place playoff game between France and England.

It’s important to note that coaches often heavily rotate their teams for the third-place game, so it’s a good idea to wait for the official lineups before you place your bets.

• France to win (moneyline)

France appear to have more motivation to win this game based on the comments of head coach Didier Deschamps. It will be his final game in charge of the French national team, so his players will want to give him a positive farewell, especially after he guided them to winning the 2018 World Cup.

Les Bleus have beaten England in their last two meetings, including in the quarterfinals at the 2022 World Cup. The Three Lions have also failed to win in any of their previous third-place playoff outings, losing 2-1 to Italy in 1990 and 2-0 to Belgium in 2018.

• Kylian Mbappe anytime goalscorer (90 minutes)

The odds are short for Kylian Mbappe to get on the scoresheet against England. However, you can find better value if you place this bet on the 90-minute market. The Real Madrid man is level with Lionel Messi atop the World Cup goalscoring charts with eight, and will be on the hunt to win the Golden Boot. The expectation is that he will continue to lead the line.

• Maxence Lacroix to commit 2+ fouls

Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is set to start alongside Ibrahima Konate at the back for France. William Saliba will miss the game due to injury. Plus-money odds on Lacroix to commit two fouls seem like good value given he’s committed 2.4 per 90 at the tournament thus far. He committed two fouls after playing just 60 minutes against Spain in the semifinals.

France Betting Preview

France were the oddsmakers’ favorite to advance past Spain on Tuesday in the World Cup semifinals, but it’s Les Bleus who failed to reach the final after suffering a 2-0 defeat. Instead, they will be playing in the third-place playoff on Saturday, the day before the World Cup final.

Deschamps’ side did not turn up against Spain, with their superstar forward line underwhelming. Starters Mbappe, Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembele and Bradley Barcola all disappointed against their European rivals. It is now three straight competitive defeats for France against Spain.

France were outclassed from a tactical standpoint against the European champions. Luis de la Fuente’s system was head and shoulders above the French side, with their midfield in particular proving dominant.

Despite Aurelien Tchouameni recovering from injury, he was unable to assert control in the middle of the park. Rodri and Fabian Ruiz had full control of the tie, while the Spanish defense held strong. Goalkeeper Unai Simon excelled, being sharp off his line to deal with any balls in behind for the lightning-quick Mbappe.

England Betting Preview

The Three Lions crumbled after taking the lead against Argentina on Wednesday, as two Messi assists sent England to Saturday’s third-place encounter. Anthony Gordon gave England fans hope that they would be reaching their first World Cup final since 1966 after he put them ahead in the 55th minute, but it was Argentina who came from a goal down to book their meeting with Spain.

It appeared as though Thomas Tuchel instructed his side to defend after they went a goal up, sitting deep and making several defensive substitutions to close up shop. However, all that seemed to do was invite pressure, and Argentina came close to equalizing several times before Enzo Fernandez eventually levelled the score.

England lacked the tools offensively once La Albiceleste made it 1-1, and eventually succumbed to a devastating Messi cross from the right flank that was headed home by substitute Lautaro Martinez. England’s 60 years of hurt continues.

How France and England Match Up Against Each Other

Nations usually heavily rotate their lineups for the third-place playoff, and it represents a chance for the squad players to get some game time. Expect the likes of Rayan Cherki, Lacroix and Theo Hernandez to get their fair share of minutes for Les Bleus. One player who has definitely been ruled out for France is Saliba due to a back injury.

England will also heavily rotate their side for the matchup here. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Elliot Anderson, and Declan Rice are set to miss out. That could see Eberechi Eze, Ollie Watkins, and Kobbie Mainoo all get some game time.

Tuchel has stated that nobody wants to play in the third-place playoff game, signalling a lack of motivation England has to perform in this match. Interestingly, counterpart Deschamps has said “we’ll do everything we can to get it.”

After playing through gruelling knockout matches, it appears England will not be as fresh as France. The speed of the French attack is expected to cause Tuchel’s side plenty of issues, particularly since Mbappe is still leading in the Golden Boot race.