France and England meet again on the World Cup stage, this time with third place on the line. The rivalry has history, and the numbers give it even more bite. From head-to-head trends to creative output and coaching milestones, the data paints a clear picture of what to expect. You can follow live stats, xG and Sofascore Rating on Sofascore when the game kicks off.

Head-to-head at the World Cup

This is the fourth World Cup meeting between France and England. The Three Lions took the first two, winning 2-0 in 1966 and 3-1 in 1982. France had the most recent say, winning 2-1 in the 2022 quarter-final. Across all competitions, England have just one win in their last nine against France. That lone victory came 2-0 in a November 2015 friendly.

England are winless in their last four competitive meetings with France. The record there is two draws and two defeats. Their last competitive win was that 3-1 result at the 1982 World Cup. Momentum in recent years sits with France on the scoreboard. England arrive with the incentive to turn a long trend around.

Third place play-off trends

World Cup third place play-offs have a habit of finishing on the pitch. Every single one has been decided without going to penalties. Only one needed extra time, when France beat Belgium 4-2 in 1986. That pattern suggests a result in regulation or by the end of added time. Shootout tension looks unlikely based on history.

France are in this game for the fourth time. Only Germany, with five, have more appearances. France won third place in 1958 and again in 1986. They lost this fixture in 1982. England have featured in two third place play-offs and lost both. Those defeats came in 1990 against Italy and in 2018 against Belgium. Only Uruguay, with three losses, have a worse record at this stage.

Deschamps’ final in charge

Didier Deschamps takes charge of his 187th and final France match. His 121 wins are the most by any France coach. It is a record built over a long tenure at the top level. His World Cup win rate stands at 77 percent. That is 20 wins from 26 games at the tournament.

This milestone adds weight to France’s day. The data says his teams deliver results on this stage. A strong World Cup hit rate backs that up. The third place platform is a final chance to add one more to the total. Expect a planned approach shaped by long-term consistency.

England’s attacking notes

Harry Kane has six goals at the 2026 World Cup. That tally ties England’s single-edition record. It underlines his value as a finisher in this tournament. The detail that stands out is his involvement against Argentina. Kane had no touches in the opposition box in that game.

England’s game state management also pops from the numbers. While leading Argentina 1-0 for 30 minutes, they had just 12 percent possession. It is the lowest ever for a team leading at least 10 minutes in a World Cup match in the last 60 years. That shows a deep, protective spell without the ball. Anthony Gordon adds a different layer to the attack. He has contributed to four goals in his last four World Cup appearances. The split is one goal and three assists, with a goal involvement every 66 minutes.

Creativity and chance quality

France’s chance quality hit a floor against Spain. Their 0.31 xG in that match was their lowest recorded in a World Cup game since 1966. It is a clear marker for improvement in the final third. The team that solves chance creation more efficiently should control the flow. Set pieces and quick transitions become even more valuable if open-play xG stays tight.

Across the tournament, one creator leads the way. Michael Olise tops the 2026 World Cup with five assists. He also ranks second for expected assists at 2.46. Only Lionel Messi has a higher xA at 4.12. Those numbers frame the creative bar for the weekend. If service is sharp, pressure shifts fast in a one-off game.

With the head-to-head history, third place patterns, and standout individual numbers all in view, this meeting is neatly set. Trends point to a result without penalties and a test of game management on both sides. Keep an eye on Kane’s touches, Gordon’s timing, and how France lift their xG profile. Track live momentum swings, player data and Sofascore Rating on Sofascore throughout the match.