FIFA World Cup 2026: Three Reasons Why the Third-Place Playoff Could Be Fascinating
Image credit, FIFA via Getty Images
Although England’s dream of winning the World Cup once again has been shattered, the team remains in the competition.
In fact, England has been waiting since 1966 for their first major trophy in men’s football.
England will compete against France in the third-place playoff on Saturday night, which corresponds to Sunday morning at 2:45 AM Nepali time.
With their dream of clinching the World Cup ending after the defeat to Argentina on Wednesday, the significance of the upcoming match has increased. There are at least three reasons why this game remains important.
1. The Golden Boot Competition
Image credit, Reuters
Players from both England and France remain in the race for the individual Golden Boot award.
France’s captain Kylian Mbappe has scored eight goals so far in this World Cup with outstanding form.
Argentine Lionel Messi has matched Mbappe’s goal tally, but with four assists compared to Mbappe’s three, Messi currently leads.
Both Mbappe’s and Messi’s teams have one more match left. Messi will play in the final while Mbappe will compete in the third-place match.
Goals scored in the third-place playoff count towards the Golden Boot tally, giving Mbappe an opportunity to surpass Messi. However, Messi will still have the chance to add to his score in the final.
If Mbappe scores a goal or provides two assists in this match, he could equal the record set by Salvatore Schillaci of Italy, who won the Golden Boot by scoring in the 1990 third-place playoff against England.
England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham are also contenders, each trailing Messi and Mbappe by only two goals, having scored six each. They remain strong candidates for the Golden Boot as well.
2. A Historic Opportunity for England
Image credit, Reuters
Although their quest for the title has ended, the third-place playoff can still mark a historic moment for England.
When the World Cup began, supporters had little expectation of settling for third place. However, if England defeats France, they will achieve their best World Cup finish in the last 60 years.
Triumphing over France to secure third place would mark England’s strongest World Cup performance since their 1966 title victory.
England has previously lost in both of their prior third-place playoff matches.
They finished fourth in 1990 after losing to Italy, and again in 2018 after a defeat to Belgium.
After missing out on gold and silver, England will be keen to at least secure a bronze medal.
3. Opportunity for Unused Players?
Image credit, PA
In the World Cup’s final stages, coaches for both England and France may rest some key players.
This could create opportunities for players who have not yet featured in the tournament.
Manchester United midfielder Kobe Minu has not yet played a single minute. With less pressure, England might give him his World Cup debut in the next match, potentially giving a rest to recently ill Declan Rice.
Ollie Watkins has also had limited opportunities, having played just six minutes in total. Ivan Toney similarly has had minimal playing time.
France’s 2018 World Cup winner N’Golo Kante has not appeared yet in this tournament. Now aged 35, this could be his final World Cup opportunity.
Manchester City playmaker Ryan Cherki has played only 85 minutes so far and may be introduced in this key match.
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