The 2026 FIFA World Cup is down to its final two matches. After a month of drama across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, only the third-place play-off and the final remain. Here is everything you need to know about the last games of the tournament.
The Two Remaining Matches
Third-Place Play-Off: England vs France
- Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Kickoff: 22:00 BST / 04:00 WIB (Sunday, July 19)
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
- Broadcast: BBC TV (UK), FOX (US)
World Cup Final: Argentina vs Spain
- Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026
- Kickoff: 19:00 UTC / 02:00 WIB (Monday, July 20)
- Venue: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
- Broadcast: BBC TV (UK), FOX (US)
Third-Place Play-Off: England vs France
England and France both suffered semi-final heartbreak and now meet in Miami for the bronze medal. England lost 2-1 to Argentina after a dramatic late Lautaro Martinez header, while France fell 2-0 to a dominant Spain side.
For England, this match carries extra weight. A victory would secure their best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966. They have lost both previous third-place play-offs — to Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018.
France captain Kylian Mbappe has a personal incentive too. He is level with Lionel Messi as the tournament’s joint top scorer on eight goals. A strong performance could push him closer to the Golden Boot, though Messi will have the chance to respond in the final.
World Cup Final: Argentina vs Spain
The showpiece event pits defending champions Argentina against a young, fearless Spain team. Argentina are seeking back-to-back World Cup titles — a feat last achieved by Brazil in 1962.
Lionel Messi, now 39, orchestrated Argentina’s semi-final comeback against England with a pinpoint cross for Martinez’s winner. He has eight goals and four assists in the tournament and remains the driving force behind Argentina’s attack.
Spain, meanwhile, have been the most convincing team in the knockout rounds. They dispatched Belgium, Morocco, and France without conceding a single goal from open play. Lamine Yamal, still just 18, has been their standout performer alongside Pedri and Nico Williams in a dynamic front line.
Golden Boot Race
The final two matches will decide the tournament’s top scorer. Here is where the race stands:
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Argentina | 8 | 4 |
| Kylian Mbappe | France | 8 | 3 |
| Harry Kane | England | 6 | 2 |
| Jude Bellingham | England | 6 | 1 |
Goals in the third-place play-off count toward the Golden Boot, so Mbappe can still overtake Messi — though the Argentine will have the final to add to his tally.
Venue Guide
Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens) — Home of the Miami Dolphins, this 65,000-seat venue hosts the third-place play-off. Located in South Florida, it has already hosted several group stage and knockout matches during the tournament.
MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford) — The 82,500-seat home of the New York Giants and Jets stages the final. It is the largest venue used at this World Cup and sits just across the Hudson River from Manhattan.
What to Watch
- Mbappe’s Golden Boot push — Can the French captain score enough to overtake Messi?
- England’s history quest — A win gives them their best World Cup result in 60 years
- Messi’s farewell? — At 39, this could be his last World Cup match
- Spain’s young guns — Yamal and company chasing a first World Cup title since 2010
- Tactical chess — How do managers rotate squads after a gruelling tournament schedule?
Both matches are must-watch football. The third-place play-off may lack the glamour of the final, but with Golden Boot implications, historic milestones, and two proud footballing nations going head-to-head, there is plenty on the line in Miami. Then all eyes turn to MetLife Stadium for the biggest match in world football.
