France v England – predictions and odds – 2026 World Cup (18 July 2026)

France and England face one another in Miami with third place at the 2026 World Cup on the line, although the mood around both camps will be very different from what they had hoped for earlier in the week. These play-offs can be difficult to judge, but they often produce a more open game, with fewer nerves and more room for attacking players to express themselves.

France were unable to cope with Spain’s control in the semi-final, yet I would not read too much into one poor night. Their squad is still packed with pace, invention and match-winners, particularly in the final third. If England leave spaces between the lines or push too many bodies forward, the French have the quality to exploit that quickly.

England’s defeat to Argentina may be harder to shake off. They had put themselves in a strong position before becoming overly cautious and allowing the match to drift away from them. That sort of disappointment can linger, and against a side as dangerous as France, any hesitation in possession or lack of aggression without the ball could prove costly.

I can see both teams creating chances, but France look better suited to the loose, end-to-end nature this fixture may develop into. They have more natural speed on the break, stronger options from the bench and several players capable of deciding the contest with one moment of quality. For me, they are the more convincing side to get the job done inside 90 minutes.