World Cup 2026: Third-place play-off – an unwanted tie or a match with a ‘golden layer’?
The third-place play-off, played at every World Cup for 72 years, features England vs. France in Miami. Both coaches, Didier Deschamps and Thomas Tuchel, initially expressed reluctance, with players like Ibrahima Konate echoing the sentiment. However, Tuchel later highlighted the opportunity to secure England’s best World Cup result in 60 years. The match also gives minutes to fringe players, such as James Trafford or Kobbie Mainoo, and entertains fans who paid for tickets.
