By GB News (World News) | Created at 2026-07-18 18:05:33 | Updated at 2026-07-19 01:53:37
7 hours ago
FIFA President Gianni Infantino nearly forgot England's third-place play-off final, which kicks off tonight at 10pm.
The Three Lions play France at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida, in a match that has come under fire over its purpose.
Infantino, who was speaking with US President Donald Trump, spoke positively about how the tournament had gone before appearing to forget England's match.
He said: "This has not just been and is not just the greatest World Cup of all time.
"It is the greatest human, social and cultural event that mankind has ever witnessed and seen, and we are all part of this, and for this I thank you very much, Mr President.
"Thanks for having us here. There is one more game to go."
Infantino paused, before correcting himself, saying: "Well, two more games. The bronze medal between England and France, of course.
"And the great final between Argentina and Spain."
Gianni Infantino nearly forgot about the third-place play-off
REUTERS
The third-place play-off has been criticised by both England and France over its practicality.
France head coach Didier Deschamps summarised the mood in his squad before the game in Miami, saying: "The best for France and England would be for this match not to exist."
England manager Thomas Tuchel echoed his thoughts, stating: "None of our players and none of the French players want to play this match."
Former Liverpool defender Ibrahima Konate added: "Not one of us wants to play this game for third place, but we don't have a choice."
Infantino was speaking alongside US President Donald Trump
REUTERS
The key talking point for the game will be whether French star Kylian Mbappe can create a gap to Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot.
Both players currently sit on eight goals, with Messi playing in Sunday's final against Spain in what will be his third World Cup final.
The fixture has helped several players win the Golden Boot in the past.
Germany's Thomas Muller in 2010, Croatia's Davor Suker in 1998, Italy's Salvatore Schillaci in 1990 and Brazil's Leonidas in 1938 all benefited from the match.
The key talking point for the game will be whether French star Kylian Mbappe can create a gap to Lionel Messi for the Golden Boot
Poland's Grzegorz Lato in 1974, Portugal's Eusebio in 1966, and France's Just Fontaine in 1958 also won the award and scored in the third-place play-off.
The Three Lions kick-off tonight at 10pm, having played in this fixture twice before.
On both occasions, England lost to the hosts, Italy in 1990 and Belgium in 2018, in Russia.
Should the Three Lions go one better tonight, it will be their second-best ever finish in a World Cup, since winning it in 1966.
