They won the 2018 World Cup and finished runner-up in 2022 after an incredible final. But France will be coming to Miami to play for the bronze medal in the 2026 World Cup after a shocking loss in the semifinals.
Les Bleus were shut out by Spain 2-0 on Tuesday, July 14 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. A penalty on teenage star Lamine Yamal led to a Mikel Oyarzabal goal in the 22nd minute, with Pedro Porro adding a second-half goal. It would have been 3-0 if Spain's star 19-year-old had not been ruled offside a few minutes later.
The loss means Spain will play Sunday, July 19 for its second World Cup ***** le at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Meanwhile Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and the star-studded team from France will head to South Florida to play for third place. They could face off against Lionel Messi again if defending champion Argentina lose to Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and England in the other semifinal.
Shop for World Cup tickets in Miami
France has not made an appearance in Miami at this World Cup, though both of its potential opponents have. Argentina won a 3-2 thriller against tournament darling Cape Verde on July 3, while England beat Erling Haaland and Norway just a few days ago in the quarterfinals.