The 2026 FIFA World Cup will reach its penultimate day on Saturday, with England and France meeting in a third‑place playoff at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. The match is set for 5:00 p.m. Eastern and will be televised live on Fox.
A Quiet Prelude to the Tournament's End
For France, the game marks the final act of Didier Deschamps' tenure as national team coach. The veteran manager announced earlier that he will step down after the tournament, and speculation has already linked his successor to Zinedine Zidane, the country's all‑time great.
Both squads enter the fixture with little pressure to win. England's campaign ended earlier than hoped, while France's early exit from the knockout stage left them without a chance at the trophy. The relaxed stakes could produce an open, entertaining contest, but the sweltering Miami heat and the match's inconsequential nature may also dampen the spectacle.
What Lies Ahead for the Coaches
If Zidane does take the reins, the third‑place match will serve as his first official test before any potential overhaul of the French setup. Meanwhile, Deschamps will savor a final appearance on the world stage, reflecting on a career that includes two World Cup titles as a player and a championship as a coach.