France vs. England Betting Preview (2026 World Cup Third Place Odds)

After winning in 2018, and finishing second in 2022, France can join Brazil (1994-2022) and Germany (1966-1974, 1982-1990, 2002-2014) as the only teams to finish in the top three at three consecutive World Cups. France finished third in 1958 in Sweden, and again in 1986 in Mexico.

However, Les Bleus have to be disappointed with how this tournament ended. They rolled through the group stage and the Round of 32 against Sweden, and then won a scrappy Round of 16 game against Paraguay. France was classy in a 2-0 quarterfinal win over Morocco, but the wheels fell off against Spain.

On gagne ensemble, on perd ensemble 🤜🤛

Les Bleus auront une dernière bataille à livrer pour terminer ce Mondial sur le podium.

RDV samedi à 23h pour le match de la 3e place 🇫🇷💙 pic.twitter.com/8HSSxr3BOc

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) July 14, 2026

Spain had a slight edge in possession with 51%, but the French players were chasing shadows, especially in midfield as Rodri ran the show. Lucas Digne’s foul on Lamine Yamal was unfortunate, but it was a penalty. But the defense was nonexistent for Pedro Porro’s goal. Kylian Mbappé pushed on, but Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé combined to lose the ball 37 times. Olise struggled to complete simple passes. After being so dominant, it was strange to see France look nervous against Spain, who have now won three straight against the French.

It’ll be interesting to see what lineup manager Didier Deschamps picks for his final time in charge of the French team, which will be led by the legendary Zinedine Zidane after the tournament. Mbappé has been carrying an ankle knock, but he’ll surely want to add to his eight goals, which is tied for the Golden Ball lead with Argentina’s Lionel Messi. I could see Rayan Cherki coming in for Olise. 35-year-old N’Golo Kane, a stalwart of the last two French World Cup teams, could make an appearance in what is surely his final tournament.

The World Cup third place odds favor France, but can they get over the disappointment of losing to Spain once again? There is no doubt of their talent, but France has to come out with the proper mentality.

England weren’t as dominant as France, but they still won their group. They needed two late Harry Kane goals to beat DR Congo 2-1, then survived a 3-2 win against Mexico at the Azteca despite being a man down. Then it was Jude Bellingham’s turn as he scored twice in a 2-1 extra-time win against Norway.

It was all going well against Argentina in the semifinal as well as England got a goal from Anthony Gordon in the 55th minute. Then, following the second hydration break, manager Thomas Tuchel decided to shift into defensive mode as his next three substitutions were defenders. England were camped out in their box with no outlets, inviting cross after cross from Lionel Messi. In arguably the worst World Cup loss in their history, England would give up two late goals (off assists from Messi) in a 2-1 loss.

Vibes are LOW heading into Saturday’s England-France third-place match 🪫 pic.twitter.com/hmnQBZSwiD

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 16, 2026

If he hasn’t been fired by Saturday, Tuchel will likely make lineup changes. Declan Rice has looked off the pace all tournament and shouldn’t play, which means Kobbie Mainoo could finally get minutes. Kane and Bellingham should retain their places, as should Morgan Rogers, who assisted Gordon’s goal. At the back, Djed Spence should start after an excellent showing against Argentina, but Reece James may be hurt again, which means Tuchel’s decision to not bring another right back will be examined.

At least France were outplayed by a better Spain team. But England did this all to themselves, and it’s going to be tough for them to get up for this World Cup Third Place match.