They won the 2018 World Cup and finished runner-up in 2022 after an incredible final. But France will be coming to Miami to play for the bronze medal in the 2026 World Cup after a shocking loss in the semifinals.
Les Bleus were shut out by Spain 2-0 on Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A penalty on teenage star Lamine Yamal led to a Mikel Oyarzabal goal in the 22nd minute, with Pedro Porro adding a second-half goal. It would have been 3-0 if Spain’s star 19-year-old had not been ruled offside a few minutes later.
The loss means Spain will play Sunday, July 19 for its second World Cup title at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Meanwhile Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and the star-studded team from France will head to South Florida to play for third place. They could face off against Lionel Messi again if defending champion Argentina lose to Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and England in the other semifinal.
Shop for World Cup tickets in Miami
France has not made an appearance in Miami at this World Cup, though both of its potential opponents have. Argentina won a 3-2 thriller against tournament darling Cape Verde on July 3, while England beat Erling Haaland and Norway just a few days ago in the quarterfinals.
When does France play next?
France will play the loser of the England-Argentina match in the World Cup bronze-medal final at 5 p.m. Saturday, July 18.
Who does France play next?
France will play either Argentina or England for the bronze medal. Their opponent will be determined in the other World Cup semifinal scheduled for 3 p.m. ET Wednesday, July 15 in Atlanta. The winner will advance to face Spain in the World Cup final, while the loser gets France.
Where will France play in World Cup bronze medal final?
France will play its third-place match at Hard Rock Stadium — known as “Miami Stadium” for the World Cup — in Miami Gardens, Florida. The stadium is home to the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and college football’s Miami Hurricanes.
World Cup TV schedule, streaming info
France’s bronze-medal match will have its English-language broadcast on Fox and the Spanish broadcast on Telemundo. Streaming options include Fubo, which carries both channels, as well as Peacock for the Telemundo broadcast.
France World Cup tickets
As of 5 p.m. July 14, tickets for the World Cup third-place match in Miami were available starting at $1,476 on StubHub.
World Cup Miami games
When is World Cup final?
Spain will meet the winner of England vs. Argentina to determine the world champion of soccer at 3 p.m. ET Sunday, July 19. The game will be played at MetLife Stadium (aka “New York New Jersey Stadium”) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: France’s loss in World Cup is Miami’s gain. When Mbappe will play next
Reporting by Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Dan Rorabaugh, USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida | USA TODAY Network
