NEWS
World Cup Schedule, July 18: Striker Duel in Third-Place Play-off
Kylian Mbappe vs. Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham - who can boost their goal tally again?
France and England will meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place play-off.
In a match neither team particularly wants to play, the strikers are in focus: Kylian Mbappe wants to take the lead ahead of Lionel Messi before his final appearance. Both are currently on eight goals.
For England, Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham have scored only two goals fewer, with six goals each.
Schedule, July 18 (CEST):
23:00: France - England (LIVE ticker >>>)
While France failed to register a single shot on target in their 0-2 loss to Spain, England had been leading 1-0 against Argentina. However, the narrow lead was squandered in the final phase, and they lost the match 1-2.
It will be Didier Deschamps' final appearance as head coach of France. The 57-year-old was a World Cup winner with "Les Bleus" as both a player and coach, and his departure was decided before the World Cup. Zinedine Zidane is expected to succeed him.
On the other hand, Thomas Tuchel must prove he is the right head coach in the "Three Lions'" final World Cup match. Following the bitter semi-final defeat, the German faced a huge wave of criticism.
