World Cup: What France and England bosses said ahead of consolation third-place playoff in Miami
By Luke Oluoch, July 17, 2026European heavyweights France and England are set to battle it out for the World Cup third-place playoff this Saturday, July 18, 2026, in Miami.
The clash comes at a low moment for both teams, arriving on the heels of crushing semifinal defeats that shattered their dreams of reaching the final. France’s hopes of global glory were dashed in a 2-0 defeat against Spain, while England
With many awaiting the form of display that will be on play at the Miami Stadium after the prospective finalist suffered the disappointment at the last four stages, French coach, Didier Deschamps challenged his charges to take up the clash with pride and be determined to finish their campaign on a high note.
Pride and nation’s glory
“There is a third place to go and seek. We have that duty in relation to what this jersey represents and in relation to all the people who are behind the French team.”The title-winning manager stated.
England manager Thomas Tuchel, however, was candid about the bittersweet nature of the fixture, describing the encounter as a match that neither team truly wanted to be a part of.
“None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match,” Tuchel told reporters following England’s semifinal 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 have one less day of recovery than France, but we will approach it with complete professionalism.”
Despite facing ongoing backlash back home following the Three Lions’ late exit, the German tactician was quick to point out the positives of England’s tournament run.
“We will have to wait four years before participating in another World Cup,” Tuchel reminded the press. “Reaching the semi-finals is already an achievement in itself, of course. Many great footballing nations are eliminated long before the semifinals. It is an achievement, but nobody wants to hear that at the moment—myself included, because we are highly demanding of ourselves.”
The encounter will likely see both teams feature heavily tweaked sides, with Kobbie Mainoo and Ngolo Kante who are among the big stars with zero minutes at the global stage, handed minutes for the clash.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will conclude with a mouth-watering showdown as reigning world champions face European champions Spain in the final at New York New Jersey Stadium on Sunday, July 19, 2026.