2026 FIFA World Cup Best Bets (July 18): England vs. France Odds & Prediction

Two teams with no love for each other and hard feelings about their last matches will meet in Miami on Saturday afternoon. At stake? Mostly pride. Yes, the winner gains bragging rights and third place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But the players and coaching staffs are primarily focused on showing up and playing well after being bounced in the semifinals earlier this week.

The odds favor France, who came into this tournament as the top-ranked team in the world according to the FIFA Coca-Cola rankings. But, Spain dispatched the French Tuesday with a suffocating defense.

(Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The pitch could be sprinkled with tears from a few of the English players. That's how difficult Wednesday's sudden collapse was. Argentina got two goals into the net after the 85th minute to stun the English. The Three Lions may be more like 1 1/2 Pussycats now, but pride is still on the line.

World Cup Odds for Saturday, July 18

• France vs England: 5 p.m. ET on FOX, FOX ONE, Telemundo, and Peacock

I won both of my World Cup Best Bets on Wednesday, making me 4-for-4 in the semifinals. Here are the odds for Saturday's match between England and France:

• France: -120
• England: +290
• Draw: +300

Odds in this World Cup betting preview are from FanDuel Sportsbook. If you want to find bonus betting credits, check out our review of the Best Soccer Betting Offers.

FIFA World Cup Best Bets: France vs. England (July 18)

Many observers are questioning the point of a third-place match. Why is it needed? More soccer, that's the point. For nearly one hundred years the World Cup has been played. Four years ago, the World Cup was watched by one of every six people on the planet. Let's not try to change this event. Let's enjoy it.

France is favored because for much of this tournament Le Bleus has handled the ball better than its opponent, played stellar defense in the final third, and marshaled the scoring talents of Kylian Mbappé and running mate Michael Olise.

This match could feature more shots and goals than we've been accustomed to in this tournament. In a rollicking score-fest, I like England to unleash its frustration on the Frenchmen.

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Key Stats for this match

• The third-place match of the FIFA World Cup has averaged 3.7 goals in the last 10 matches (dating to the 1986 tournament).
• England has an advantage over France in Attempts Inside the Penalty Area (73-65). That's the spot on the pitch where the late-tournament matches are often decided.
• France has just a 16% Crossing Pass Accuracy, by far the worst among final eight teams. England comes in at 26%, the second-highest figure among the quarterfinalists.

World Cup Best Bet Picks

Five of the last 10 third-place World Cup matches have featured at least four goals, and eight have had at least three goals. I'm leaning into over 3.5, which will give me a chance at $114 on a $100 wager.

• Over 3.5 Total Goals Scored (+114, FanDuel)

Neither of these teams is going to break a sweat playing intense defense. There is pride on the line, but scoring will be the theme of the day in Miami. I like a 3-2 finish, with the winner (England) coming possibly in stoppage time.

If the score is 3-2, England, my $10 bet is worth $220. I'm going for it in the next-to-the-last match of this tournament.

• Correct Score: 3-2 (+2200, FanDuel)