Falling at the semi-final stage of a World Cup is a brutal experience, but eliminated nations still have one more assignment before heading home — the battle for the bronze medal.
For some squads, it represents a shot at redemption after narrowly missing the final. For others, it feels like a fixture too far. Regardless of sentiment, the third-place playoff remains a fixture of the 2026 World Cup despite the tournament's expansion to over 100 matches this summer.
England know the sting of this game all too well. Back at the 2018 World Cup, the Three Lions fell 2-0 to Belgium in the consolation match. Four years later in Qatar, Croatia claimed the bronze medal with a 2-1 victory over Morocco.
Officially titled the 'Match for third place', the 2026 edition will be the 103rd game of this expanded tournament. It takes place on Saturday, July 18 — the day before the final — with a 10pm kick-off in UK time.
England will face France in Miami's Hard Rock Stadium, the 65,000-capacity home of NFL franchise the Miami Dolphins. The venue has hosted seven matches during the tournament, with hot and humid conditions expected and temperatures topping 35°C.
England's road to the bronze medal match ended with a 1-2 defeat to Argentina after extra time in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 15. France, meanwhile, were beaten 0-2 by Spain in their last-four clash on Tuesday, July 14.
The final between Argentina and Spain will be held the following day, Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New York with an 8pm BST kick-off.
The quarter-final results that set up the semi-finals saw France beat Morocco 2-0, Spain edge Belgium 2-1, England overcome Norway 1-2 after extra time, and Argentina defeat Switzerland 3-1 after extra time.
Looking at recent third-place playoff history: Croatia beat Morocco 2-1 in 2022, Belgium defeated England 2-0 in 2018, the Netherlands thumped Brazil 3-0 in 2014, Germany edged Uruguay 3-2 in 2010, Germany beat Portugal 3-1 in 2006, and Turkey overcame Korea Republic 3-2 in 2002.
talkSPORT will provide live commentary of the third-place playoff with Nigel Adderley and former England defender Micky Gray.