Mike Maignan to play in France-England (Yahoo Sports Photo)
France vs England will be played today at 21:00 GMT at Miami Stadium in Florida. France lost to Spain 0:2 in the semi-final of the 14th. Meanwhile, England lost to Argentina 1:2 in their semi-final of the 16th.
History of France vs England
It is not the first time France and England are facing off in the World Cup. They competed against each other in 1966 at the group stage, and France won 2:0.
Later, in 1982, the two teams played against each other, again in the group stage. This time also, France beat England, the scores being 3:1.
Then in the Qatar 2022 World Cup, France again beat England, and the scores were 2:1 Fans are now wondering: Will England turn things around this time?
Or will goalkeeper Mike Maignan save enough goals for France? Already, Maignan has played 7 World Cup matches, and has only conceded 4 goals.
What Fans think of today’s France vs England
Many fans think that France will sail through as before, leaving England to take the World Cup’s 4th Position.
For the sports betting fans, some hold that France has an over 60% chance of beating England tonight. Others are more cautious and put France’ chances of winning within regular play time to 51%.
Cash Prizes for the World Cup Teams
Many teams out of the 48 starting the 2026 World Cup dropped out at different stages. Nevertheless, none of them will go home empty-handed. In short, there is a cash prize for every team’s home football federation, to help improve the game.
The minimum a team in the 23rd World Cup tournament will take home is $12.5 million. $2.5 million is to help its federation improve the sport, while the rest is a token from FIFA for having qualified.
Previously, teams would take home $9 million instead of $10 million for having qualified. They would also take away $1.5 million instead of $2.5 million to support the home federations.
On the overall, the team that clinches the World Cup trophy this time will take home over $50 million. Meanwhile, the runners-up will take home around $34 million as the third position holder wins around $30 million.
Hence, if Mike Maignan manages to keep England’s balls off the French net, France could bag $30 million.
The 3rd Position takes a Lot of Motivation
To make the play for the World Cup’s third position interesting, teams require plenty of motivation. All teams that reach the round of 16 are normally hopeful of reaching the finals. So, a team that loses in the semis becomes demotivated.
However, in the France vs England game, there are still players who are determined to give the game their all. One of them is Didier Deschamps of the French team.
Responding to the media a short while ago, he said that neither France nor England is enthusiastic about the game. Yet, he is determined to fight to have France take the 3rd position.
Incidentally, coaches for both teams are said to be taking the game seriously, and each wants his team to win.