Deschamps Assures France is Serious about Facing England: This is Not a Friendly Match

JAKARTA - France national team coach Didier Deschamps insists his team is serious about facing England in the 2026 World Cup third-place match at the Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Sunday morning.

"This is not a friendly match and even though it is not a game we want to play, we still have to go through it," Deschamps said on FIFA's website on Saturday, July 18.

France had to play the 2026 World Cup third-place match after losing 0-2 to Spain in the semifinals, while England lost 1-2 to Argentina.

Deschamps said the third-place match was still important and all elements in the team were responsible for winning this match.

"It's not as important as other games, but I reiterate: we are here," Deschamps said.

Should they win, it would be France's third-ever bronze medal after the 1958 and 1986 World Cups.

France lost 2-3 to Spain in the 1982 World Cup third-place match in Spain.