France manager Didier Deschamps has confirmed that Kylian Mbappe is available for selection in their upcoming World Cup third-place playoff against England. However, in what will be his final match at the helm of the national team, Deschamps also revealed his intention to shake things up by altering his usual starting lineup.
Kylian Mbappe to feature in France vs England third place match
Despite France missing out on the final, Mbappe remains one of the tournament's standout stars. The match offers him a unique opportunity to secure a bronze medal, completing a collection that already includes winner and runner-up medals—while simultaneously chasing individual glory.
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The individual prize in question is the Golden Boot, as goals scored during the third-place playoff do count toward the final tally. The 27-year-old forward is currently tied with Argentina’s Lionel Messi at eight goals apiece, though Messi currently holds the advantage in the tiebreaker thanks to having registered one additional assist.
Acknowledging the delicate balance of managing his squad for this final fixture, Deschamps emphasized his responsibility to do whatever it takes to achieve victory. While keeping his tactical plans close to his chest out of respect for his players, he openly admitted that personal motivations and physical readiness will influence his choices, ultimately confirming that fans should expect to see several squad rotations on the pitch.
During his final pre-match press conference, Didier Deschamps faced intense scrutiny regarding France's recent defeat to Spain. The moment marked the approaching end of an era for the manager, whose historic tenure began in 2012, building upon a legendary international career where he previously captained Les Bleus to World Cup victory in 1998.
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Reflecting on his departure, Deschamps maintained a stoic yet upbeat demeanor, lightheartedly noting that he didn't expect anyone to shed tears over his final game. He expressed deep gratitude for his time in charge, acknowledging that his journey had been filled with both extraordinary triumphs and challenging hardships. Looking ahead, he emphasized that while this chapter is closing, he remains characteristically optimistic about the future and whatever comes next.
Kylian Mbappe has sights set on Golden Boot
Mbappe currently sits in a dead heat with Lionel Messi at the top of the 2026 World Cup scoring charts, with both superstars having netted eight goals. While Mbappe will miss out on the tournament's final match, the third-place playoff against England gives him a prime opportunity to surpass his rival. Securing the Golden Boot in this fixture would be a historic achievement, making him the first player in the history of the World Cup to win the prestigious individual award twice.
Beyond the tournament's top scorer honors, the French forward is also closing in on the all-time World Cup goalscoring record. He currently sits just one goal behind Messi’s historic lifetime tally of 20 goals. Even if Mbappe falls short of breaking the record during Saturday's clash, his age and trajectory make it virtually certain that he will claim the top spot permanently by the time the 2030 World Cup concludes.