After failing to reach the final of the FIFA World Cup following a heartbreaking loss to Spain in the semifinals, France played the third-place fixture against England, who lost to Argentina in their respective last-four fixture. However, the French national team failed to secure the third place, as endured 4-6 loss against the Three Lions on Sunday, July 19 at the Miami Stadium.
Kylian Mbappe slams FIFA
Interestingly, before the third-place game both sides expressed their disinterest in the game, saying it makes no sense to exist, as the World Cup should be about winning it or finishing as runners-up.
After the loss, France's star forward Kylian Mbappe slammed the FIFA for organising the third-place tie, saying the fixture does not makes sense at all, as the main priority remains to lift the title and once the campaign ends it's very difficult to regroup and fight for the third place.
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"I'll be honest, I don't think the World Cup third-place match makes any sense. Once you've missed out on the final, your dream of lifting the trophy is over. Asking players to return a few days later to fight for third place doesn't change that disappointment," Said Mbappe after the match.
While continuing, Mbappe added that World Cup should be about winning it or finishing as runners-up and the third place has no real meaning. The Real Madrid star believes it's not worth of spending on match that doesn't contribute much.
"For me, the World Cup should be about winning it or finishing as runners-up. Third place has no real outcome. Personally, I don't feel it's worth spending our energy on a match that doesn't decide the champions," added Mbappe.
Kylian Mbappe's historic campaign at FIFA World Cup 2026
Despite failing to secure a place in the final, Kylian Mbappe enjoyed a historic individual campaign at the World Cup 2026, scoring 10 goals and four assists in just eight outings with the help of four braces. As of now, he is the hot favorite to win the Golden Boot award unless and until Messi scores three goals in the summit clash against Spain to clinch it.