The third-place game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played on Saturday. France lost to Spain 2-0 on Tuesday, and England lost to Argentina 2-1 on Wednesday. Both teams are officially out of World Cup championship contention. July 18th is the thirty-third match day of the tournament and the third day of semifinal/third place knockout stage play.
There is 1 semifinal knockout stage game on Saturday. The winner will get third place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. France faces off against England in a European matchup featuring 2 of the most talented yet disappointing teams in this year’s tournament. That game will be in Miami Gardens, FL, USA, at 3 PM ET on FOX.
Can France win outright, cover the 0.5-goal spread against England, and earn third place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Note: If a game is tied at the end of 90 minutes and stoppage time, it is technically ruled a “draw” for betting purposes. Additionally, spreads, totals, and team and player props only apply to the 90 minutes of regulation time and stoppage time unless specified.
I’ll make game result and total picks for today’s contest, in addition to a bonus pick, below. Continue reading for our World Cup Best Bets July 18 article.
France vs. England — Time & How to Watch
| Where | HARD ROCK STADIUM, MIAMI GARDENS, FL, USA |
| When | SATURDAY, JULY 18, 2026, 3 PM ET |
| Competition | 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP / KNOCKOUT STAGE / SEMIFINALS / 3RD PLACE GAME |
| TV | FOX, FOX ONE, TELEMUNDO, FUBO |
France vs. England Odds
| Spread | Moneyline | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| FRANCE | -0.5 (-115) | -110 | O 3.5 (+110) |
| ENGLAND | +0.5 (-110) | +270 | U 3.5 (-140) |
| DRAW | – | +285 | – |
Odds accurate as of Saturday, July 18, 2026 via TheSpread.com.
France vs England Prediction July 18 Game Result Pick
France is poised to cover the -0.5 spread against England in Saturday’s third-place match, driven by a historically dominant attack that outscored opponents 16-2 before their semifinal stumble against Spain.
Manager Didier Deschamps’ proven ability to rally his squad after setbacks, combined with Kylian Mbappé’s relentless pace, gives Les Bleus a distinct edge over a heavily fatigued English defense. Furthermore, France holds recent head-to-head psychological dominance, having eliminated England 2-1 in the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals.
While Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane have been remarkably prolific for the Three Lions with 6 goals each, France’s stout defensive metrics—yielding just 2 goals prior to the semis—will ultimately stifle England’s attack and secure a victory in regulation.
Pick: France -0.5 (-115)
France vs England Prediction July 18 Game Total Pick
Saturday’s third-place playoff is primed to exceed the 3.5-goal total, driven by significant tournament trends and individual motivations.
Third-place World Cup matches are notoriously loose, high-scoring affairs since the immense championship pressure has lifted. For France, Kylian Mbappé is tied with Lionel Messi at 8 goals and will ruthlessly hunt the Golden Boot in Didier Deschamps’ final match as manager.
England boasts equal firepower; Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham sit on 6 goals apiece, keeping them within striking distance. Furthermore, with heavy defensive rotation expected for both squads—such as backup keeper Brice Samba starting for Les Bleus—expect an open, aggressive, and highly entertaining shootout in Miami.
Pick: France vs. England Over 3.5 (+110)
World Cup Predictions July 18 Bonus Pick
Saturday’s third-place World Cup match appears trending towards a wide-open, high-scoring shootout, as defenses will likely loosen up without fear of being eliminated. The pick here is the France team total over on 2.5 goals at +194 odds.
At +194, backing France to score 3 or more goals offers incredible plus-money value for a team that already racked up 16 goals in its 6 matches leading up to the semifinals.
Furthermore, with heavy lineup rotation anticipated, France’s elite attacking depth—featuring hungry stars like Rayan Cherki and Désiré Doué alongside Kylian Mbappé’s hunt for the Golden Boot—will relentlessly attack an equally rotated, worn out English backline to hit this over comfortably.
Bonus Pick: France team total Over 2.5 (+194)
Only 2 games remain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. If you want in on the action, check out our how to bet on soccer guide.
Today’s World Cup Predictions
- France -0.5 (-115)
- France vs. England Over 3.5 goals (+110)
- Bonus Pick: France team total Over 2.5 (+194)