Kathmandu: France head coach Didier Deschamps has said that although his team has no desire to play the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff against England, winning the bronze medal remains their responsibility.
France’s dream of reaching a third consecutive World Cup final ended after a 2–0 semifinal defeat to Spain. They will now face England in the third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami, USA.

Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Deschamps stressed that the match is an official competition rather than a friendly, making it essential for the team to approach it with full commitment. He acknowledged that neither France nor England wanted to be playing for third place, but said both teams must honor their national jerseys by giving their best.
“This is not a friendly match. It is an official competition for third place. My responsibility, along with that of the players and coaching staff, is to achieve this final objective. It may not be as important as the final, but we still have a duty to fulfill,” Deschamps said.

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The French coach, who is set to step down after the World Cup, also expressed his desire to end his tenure on a positive note by securing third place.
“Our objective now is to finish third. Wearing this jersey comes with responsibility. I know this will be my last match. I don’t want anyone to feel sad. One chapter is ending, but life goes on,” he added.
France defender Ibrahima Konaté admitted that none of the players wanted to contest the third-place playoff after the disappointment of the semifinal defeat. However, he said the squad is determined to give Deschamps a winning farewell.

“None of us wanted to play for third place, but now we have no choice. The coach has given so much to French football. The best way to thank him is by winning this match and taking home the bronze medal,” Konaté said.
France and England will meet in the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff on Saturday in Miami, with both teams aiming to end their World Cup campaigns on a winning note by claiming the bronze medal.
Source: ANI