France vs England Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds | WC 2026

Home » France vs England Prediction, Betting Tips & Odds | WC 2026

World Cup Predictions

by Fred Mwambu

1 week ago 0 7

Last Updated on July 17, 2026

Competition – FIFA World Cup 2026

Bronze Final: Saturday, 18 July 2026

Kick-off – midnight

Venue – Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

Stake –

3rd place · $29M

Fourth place – $27M

22Bet – Register & Claim 100% Welcome Bonus

Why France vs England match matters

France versus England is a rematch of the 2022 FIFA World Cup quarterfinal, but this time minus the trophy at stake after both sides were booted out of the semifinal and now have to contend with the bronze match. The two sides will arrive in Miami nursing painful semifinal defeats. France was subdued by a rock-solid Spanish team that decimated the fierce front three of Kylian Mbappe, Ismail Dembele and Michael Olise with unbelievable ease. England suffered a more painful exit after leading Argentina up to the 85^th minute before the magic of Lionel Messi overturned the result as he provided assists to Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez to send Argentina through.

Both France and, later, England were touted to be among the finalists, but now they have to get motivation for at least the last medal and a $2 million prize money that separates the third from the fourth place.

Mbappe’s golden boot hangs in the balance

The individual subplots for this match give it the breath it badly needed, as Messi’s two assists are the tie-breakers, moving him ahead of Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot, with both tied at eight goals from seven matches. The pressure is ow on Mbappe, who won the boot in Qatar to score a day before Messi takes to the pitch against a Spanish side dominated by players from his former club Barcelona.

Mbappe was caged by a resolute Spanish defence on Monday that did not allow him a single shot on target as France, who had scored a whopping 16 goals before that match, were reduced to just two meaningless shots. That is how resolute Spain was, or rather, how blunt and clueless France was.

Kane-Bellingham puzzle

England’s path to the semifinal was built almost around Harry Kane and Real Madrid forward Jude Bellingham, who contributed twelve of England’s 13 goals. Anthony Gordon scored their 14^th goal, which was the opener, but it later turned into a consolation against Argentina. England have been through a tougher route as they had to come from behind late in the game to beat DR Congo 2-1 in the Round of 32. Then they endured extreme weather conditions at the Azteca Stadium to beat co-hosts Mexico 3-2, playing about 45 minutes with ten men. They needed an extra time magic by Jude Bellingham to overcome a tough Norway side led by Erling Haaland before finally collapsing against Argentina. Coach Thomas Tuchel has been largely criticised for his defensive approach towards the game that attracted Messi and teammates into the dangerous positions before they finally cracked the Three Lions open. The FA has confirmed that he will remain until his contract expires in 2028 after the Euros but winning this match could cool off some pressure.

France’s last five World Cup matches

14.07.2026 – France 0-2 Spain
09.07.2026 – France 2-0 Morocco
05.07.2026 – Paraguay 0-1 France
01.07.2026 – France 3-0 Sweden
26.06.2026 – Norway 1-4 France

Record: 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss
Goals scored: 10
Goals conceded: 3

England’s last five World Cup matches

15.07.2026 – England 1-2 Argentina
12.07.2026 – Norway 1-2 England (AET)
06.07.2026 – Mexico 2-3 England
01.07.2026 – England 2-1 DR Congo
28.06.2026 – Panama 0-2 England

Record: 4 Wins, 0 Draws, 1 Loss
Goals scored: 10
Goals conceded: 6

Head-to-head results

10.12.2022 – England 1-2 France
13.06.2017 – France 3-2 England
17.11.2015 – England 2-0 France
11.06.2012 – France 1-1 England
17.11.2010 – England 1-2 France

Head-to-head summary

France wins: 3
England wins: 1
Draws: 1
Goals: France 8-7 England

Form guide

France: L-W-W-W-W
England: L-W-W-W-W

France team news

There have been reports that defender William Saliba has been playing with a back injury and could be a doubt for this game, but there are no other reported injuries. Didier Deschamps is managing his last game as head coach of France after reaching back-to-back finals before he retires, and could have the liberty of rotating the squad given the dead-rubber nature of the tie.

Key French players to watch

Kylian Mbappé is leading a terrific French front three that is capable of demolishing opposition lines with devastating effect. With eight goals in six matches, Mbappe has scored 20 World Cup goals and is chasing Messi for the record. Messi has scored 21. Dembele has contributed directly to seven goals, scoring five and assisting two, while Michael Olise is the engine of their attack with an unmatched capability to break down defences and find his attacking duo even in tight spaces.

Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola have contributed five goals, with Doue scoring one and assisting another while Barcola has netted twice. The duo offers more options in attack in case the leading front three are marked.

England team news

Reece James played a part in the loss against Argentina and could be used more in this dead-rubber. Tuchel has no more injury worries.

Key English players to watch

Harry Kane is chasing Lionel Messi and Mbappé for the Golden Boot after scoring six goals in six games. He has also assisted one goal and is now the outright all-time top scorer for the Three Lions. Jude Bellingham has ably matched Kane’s output, with six goals in six games and one assist, but should be careful not to pick up another caution that could make him miss the final if England progress. Together with Kane, the attacking duo has scored 12 of the 13 goals England has scored at this tournament. Bukayo Saka has not featured prominently, but together with Anthony Gordon, the duo have provided three assists each and are crucial in breaking down opposition defences to unlock spaces for Kane and Bellingham. Declan Rice has been key in anchoring England’s midfield and is crucial in protecting the back four from attacks and disrupting the opposition’s movements.

Predicted lineups for France vs England

France: Mike Maignan; Jules Koundé-Ibrahima Konaté-Lucas Digne-Théo Hernández; Adrien Rabiot-Manu Koné; Michael Olise-Ousmane Dembélé-Kylian Mbappé; Bradley Barcola.

England: Jordan Pickford; Djed Spence-Marc Guehi-John Stones-Nico O’Reilly; Declan Rice-Kobbie Mainoo; Bukayo Saka-Jude Bellingham-Anthony Gordon; Harry Kane.