Football tips today 18 Jul 2026: Analysis of the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff and today's match schedule.
On 18 July 2026, today's football tips feature the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff between the two-time former world champions France and one-time world champions England. Although the match has no bearing on the championship, it promises to be an entertaining encounter as both teams face no pressure. Let's follow the match analysis and predictions for this game.
- 2026 World Cup third-place playoff / Kickoff at 04:00 (early morning 19 Jul Thai time).
*Live broadcast on Monomax + free live streaming on Monomax sports channel 29.
France failed to reach the World Cup final for the third consecutive time after Spain's sharp play defeated them 0-2 in the semifinals, ending their seven-game winning streak. In the third-place playoffs, "Les Bleus" have won twice out of three attempts in 1958 and 1986 and finished fourth in 1982. They have met England 32 times, winning only 10 and drawing 5, but in their last World Cup meeting in 2022 quarterfinals, France won 2-1.
Latest team news: France will miss key defender William Saliba due to a recurring back injury. The center-back pairing is expected to be adjusted with Maxence Lacroix partnering Ibrahima Konaté instead of Dayot Upamecano. In attack, Ryan Cherki may start alongside Desire Doué, while Kylian Mbappé is likely to retain his place aiming to compete for the top scorer title alongside Lionel Messi, who currently also has eight goals.
England missed out on reaching the World Cup final for the first time in 60 years since their only title in 1966 after a tactical error focusing on defense allowed Argentina to come from behind and win 2-1 in the semifinals, ending their eight-match unbeaten run (seven wins, one draw). The "Three Lions" have played for third place twice before, losing 1-2 to Italy in 1990 and 0-2 to Belgium in 2018. Although England has beaten France 17 times in 32 meetings, in their last nine encounters, England has won only once in a 2015 friendly (2-0), losing six and drawing two.
England's latest condition includes ongoing injury problems. Reece James has a recurring hamstring injury from the semifinals, but Jarell Quansah returns from suspension. However, Thomas Tuchel is likely to move Jad Spence to right back and use Niko O'Riley at left back. Jude Bellingham is expected to avoid retrospective suspension for headbutting Valentin Barco after the loss to Argentina, allowing him to start alongside Declan Rice, Elliott Anderson, Morgan Rogers, Anthony Gordon, and Harry Kane, who has scored six goals and still has a chance to challenge Mbappé for the top scorer.
Although this match has no impact on the championship race, it should be an exciting contest as both sides face no pressure. If the game opens up, France appears more dangerous and versatile and is likely to narrowly defeat England again.
Match Prediction : France narrowly beats England to claim third place.