FIFA World Cup 2026: Mbappe starts for France, England bench Kane and Bellingham for third-place playoff
Miami, July 19
France captain Kylian Mbappe starts against England in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match in Miami on Saturday, with both teams naming heavily rotated line-ups. England, meanwhile, have left key players Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane on the bench.
Mbappe will be aiming to strengthen his bid for the tournament's Golden Boot while also looking to surpass Lionel Messi as the FIFA World Cup's all-time leading goalscorer. The two stars are currently tied on eight goals each at the ongoing 2026 World Cup. In the all-time World Cup scoring charts, Messi leads with 21 goals, with Mbappe just one behind on 20.
The match will also mark Didier Deschamps' final game as France coach after 14 years in charge, with Les Bleus fielding a largely second-string defence.
France suffered a 2-0 defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, ending their hopes of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final. Mikel Oyarzabal opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Pedro Porro, who was named Player of the Match, added a second to send Spain into the title clash against Argentina.
England, meanwhile, suffered a heartbreaking defeat to Argentina in the other semi-final in Atlanta, as the defending champions came from behind to win 2-1. Enzo Fernandez equalised before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send Argentina into the final against Spain.
England vs France FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place match lineups:
England's lineup for the third-place match: Dean Henderson, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, Djed Spence, Jarell Quansah, Declan Rice, Morgan Rogers, Eberechi Eze, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Ivan Toney.
France's lineup for the third-place match: Mike Maignan, Malo Gusto, Ibrahima Konate, Theo Hernandez, Maxence Lacroix, Adrien Rabiot, Warren Zaire-Emery, Rayan Cherki, Kylian Mbappe, Michael Olise, Desire Doue.
— ANI
Reader Comments
England's decision to bench Kane and Bellingham seems strange. If you're playing for third place, why not give your best players a chance to win something? That said, Ivan Toney deserves a start after his performances in the Premier League.
Messi at 21 goals, Mbappe at 20 - what a rivalry! It's like watching Tendulkar and Kohli battle it out, but on the football pitch. Third-place match might not be prestigious, but for individual records, it's crucial. Go Mbappe! 🇫🇷
Didier Deschamps' last match after 14 years - what a career! He won the World Cup and reached two other finals. France might be disappointed not to be in the final, but they should still give him a fitting farewell. Deschamps has been a legend for French football. 🙏
Third-place matches are always tricky - teams don't really want to be there, but they still put on a show. England's lineup looks more exciting with Rashford and Saka. I think England will edge this 2-1. What do you all think? 🤔
As an England fan, I'm disappointed they're not taking this more seriously. But hey, it's a chance to see some young players. Morgan Rogers and Jarell Quansah getting minutes is good for the future. Football is all about development, right? 🤷♂️
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