Substitutes
Substitutes
Match Preview
- The third-place playoff of FIFA World Cup 2026 features two powerhouses with world-class attacking talents. France lines up in 4-2-3-1 while England opts for 4-1-4-1, both seeking redemption after missing the final. France, winners in 2018 and runners-up in 2022, face England, who finished fourth in 2018 and sought their first title since 1966, in a battle for pride and honor.
- France's frontline is led by captain Mbappé (27), who sits second in France's all-time scoring charts with 56 goals in 98 caps, trailing only Giroud (57). The Real Madrid star maintains his prolific scoring rate and enters his third World Cup seeking glory before Deschamps' expected departure. Behind him, Bayern's Olise (24, left-footed, ex-Palace), Lyon prodigy Cherki (22, ambidextrous), and PSG youngster Doué (21) form a formidable attacking quartet.
- England rests their star duo Kane (32, record 79 international goals) and Bellingham (23, Real Madrid) on the bench, starting Toney (30, 32 goals in 32 games for Al-Ahli) up front. The attack features Rashford (28, Barcelona, 70 caps) on the left, Saka (24, Arsenal academy graduate) on the right, with Eze (28, Arsenal, 2025 FA Cup hero) and Rogers (23, Villa, 187cm tall) providing creativity through the middle.
- The midfield battle will prove decisive. France deploys Rabiot (31, Marseille, ex-Juventus) and Zaïre-Emery (20, PSG academy sensation who debuted at 16) as their double pivot. Emery's intelligence combined with Rabiot's 188cm frame and elegant ball-carrying aims to control proceedings. England counters with Rice (27, Arsenal) as sole anchor, the modern defensive midfielder who adds set-piece threat to his defensive mastery.
- Five players face their former clubs in this emotional encounter. France's Mbappé shares history with England's Kane (bench) from their time at Monaco and PSG. Koundé (bench, Sevilla and Bordeaux) and Tchouaméni (bench, Monaco and Bordeaux) also have French league connections. England's Rashford moved from Manchester United to Barcelona this season, playing his first World Cup away from Ten Hag's guidance. Bellingham (bench) represents his former clubs Dortmund and Birmingham.
- The defensive setups offer intriguing contrasts. France fields Theo Hernández (28, Al-Hilal, ex-Milan, explosive pace) at left-back, Konaté (27, Liverpool, 194cm) and Lacroix (26, Palace, 190cm, ex-Wolfsburg) forming a pacey and powerful CB pairing, with Gusto (23, Chelsea, Lyon product) on the right. England counters with Quansah (23, Leverkusen, Liverpool academy, 190cm) on the left, Guehi (26, Man City, ex-Palace captain) and Konsa (28, Villa, 183cm) centrally, and Spence (25, Tottenham) on the right.
- Between the posts, France starts Maignan (31, AC Milan, 191cm, Serie A winner) who leads the post-Lloris generation as first-choice keeper. England fields Henderson (29, Palace, Man United academy, 2025 FA Cup winner) ahead of Pickford (32, Everton, Euro 2020 finalist keeper, benched). Both goalkeepers captain their clubs and command respect from their defenses.
- The bench depth showcases world-class quality. France can call upon Dembélé (29, PSG, ambidextrous, 2018 and 2022 veteran), Thuram (28, Inter, 192cm, son of Lilian), Kanté (35, Fenerbahçe, 2018 winner), Saliba (25, Arsenal, 192cm), and Upamecano (27, Bayern). England's options include Kane, Bellingham, Stones (32, Man City, 87 caps), and James (26, Chelsea captain) among their experienced reserves.