The FIFA World Cup enters its final weekend with one last battle before the championship match, as France and England face off in the third-place playoff. Both European giants will be aiming to finish their campaigns on a high after heartbreaking semifinal defeats.
Meanwhile, football fans around the world are eagerly awaiting Sunday’s blockbuster World Cup final between defending champions Argentina and an impressive Spain side, with both nations chasing another chapter in football history.
France vs England: Third-Place Playoff Preview
France and England will meet on Saturday, July 18, at Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida, with kickoff scheduled for 21:00 GMT.
Despite missing out on the final, the clash promises to be an entertaining contest between two of Europe’s strongest national teams. France will look to bounce back and secure a podium finish, while England will be determined to end their tournament with a victory after another deep World Cup run.
Head-to-Head Record
France and England have met three times previously in FIFA World Cup history:
- 1966 Group Stage: England 2-0 France
- 1982 First Group Phase: England 3-1 France
- 2022 Quarterfinal: France 2-1 England
England dominated the first two World Cup meetings, but France claimed the most recent encounter in Qatar, knocking the Three Lions out on their way to another deep tournament run.
Prediction: France Hold the Edge
According to the latest Opta Supercomputer simulations, France head into the third-place playoff as favourites.
After running 25,000 simulations, the model predicts:
- France win: 50.7%
- England win: 25.6%
- Draw after 90 minutes: 23.7%
While England possess enough quality to trouble any opponent, statistical models suggest Didier Deschamps’ side have the stronger chance of securing third place.
World Cup Final: Argentina vs Spain
The tournament reaches its climax on Sunday, July 19, when Argentina and Spain meet in the FIFA World Cup Final at New York-New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, with kickoff set for 19:00 GMT.
Spain are aiming to lift their second FIFA World Cup trophy, while defending champions Argentina hope to capture a record-extending fourth world title, further cementing their place among football’s greatest nations.
Interestingly, the two sides last met in 2018, when Spain produced an unforgettable 6-1 victory over Argentina in an international friendly in Madrid. However, much has changed since then, and the World Cup final presents an entirely different challenge.
Trump Expected to Attend the Final
The final is expected to feature several high-profile guests, with US President Donald Trump reportedly set to attend the match and present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winning captain after the final whistle.
FIFA Introduces Championship Rings
In a historic first for the FIFA World Cup, the winning squad will receive championship rings alongside the iconic World Cup trophy and gold medals.
Inspired by North American sporting traditions, FIFA will produce 30 championship rings for the victorious team. Additionally, 1,996 collector’s edition rings will be made available for fans, creating a unique piece of memorabilia from the 2026 tournament.
Final Weekend Schedule
| Match | Date | Kickoff (GMT) | Venue |
| France vs England (Third-Place Playoff) | Saturday, July 18 | 21:00 | Miami Stadium, Miami |
| Argentina vs Spain (World Cup Final) | Sunday, July 19 | 19:00 | New York-New Jersey Stadium, East Rutherford |
The stage is now set for an unforgettable conclusion to the FIFA World Cup. Before the world crowns its new champion on Sunday, France and England will battle for pride, while Argentina and Spain prepare for one of the biggest matches in international football history.
