The virtual bronze final ended 3-2 in favor of France. Kylian Mbappé’s penalty twice and Elliot Anderson’s goal decided the dramatic match. We explain how the simulation went, which lineups took to the field, and what awaits the teams in the real match.
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The World Game Update for EA Sports FC 26 for the 2026 World Cup
Electronic Arts has taken a thorough approach to the year’s biggest football tournament. The World’s Game update for EA Sports FC 26 was released in stages: the base patch became available on May 28, 2026, and the tournament mode itself and associated Ultimate Team content opened on June 4. The update is completely free for all owners of the game on PlayStation, Xbox, PC, and Nintendo Switch.
The game features a separate tournament mode for 48 teams, replicating the structure of the real-life 2026 World Cup. Teams are divided into 12 groups of four, each playing three matches in the group stage. 32 teams advance to the knockout round: the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed teams. The classic knockout round then continues from the round of 32 to the final.
EA Sports FC 26 features 53 licensed national teams with official kits, crests, and detailed player faces. Forty-one of these teams are participating in the summer tournament. EA has also added new stadiums: Gillette Stadium, BMO Field, and the fictional Central Maw Arena, created with the atmosphere of major international matches in mind.
France and England lineups in the EA FC 26 simulation
A simulation conducted by Mirror and Express predicted starting lineups that closely mirror the coaches’ real-life choices.
France strongest lineup featuring Mbappe in attack
France entered the tournament with their optimal lineup. Kylian Mbappé is the main striker with a 91 overall rating and 97 pace. Ousmane Dembélé has a 90 rating and 93 dribbling. N’Golo Kanté is in midfield, with Dayot Upamecano and Ibrahima Konaté in defense.
A balanced England lineup led by Kane
England has opted for a balanced lineup. Starting: Jordan Pickford in goal; Jed Spence, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi, and Nico O’Reilly in defense; Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson, and Jude Bellingham in midfield; Morgan Rodgers and Anthony Gordon on the flanks; and Harry Kane up front. Bellingham has a 90 rating, while Kane has 92 shooting, 93 finishing, and 94 positioning. Spence replaced the injured Reece James at right-back.
France vs England Match Simulation Review
The match turned into a thriller from the very first minutes. England struggled to contain the French attacks, and a controversial decision was made in the 10th minute.
Kylian Mbappe first goal from the penalty spot
Spence made a tough tackle on Adrien Rabiot in the penalty area, and the referee pointed to the spot. Mbappé calmly beat Pickford to make it 1-0 for France.
Rodgers goal and Kylian Mbappe double
England did not break. In the 29th minute, Morgan Rodgers leveled the score at 1-1 with a powerful run and strike. However, England’s joy was short-lived: four minutes later, the referee awarded another penalty against England – this time for a handball by Marc Guehi. Mbappé scored twice, putting France ahead 2-1.
Anderson winning goal and the match result
In the second half, Elliott Anderson scored France’s third goal, increasing their lead to 3-1. England managed to close the gap, but it was not enough. The final whistle blew, signaling a 3-2 victory for France.
2026 World Cup Bronze Final France vs England in Real Life
The 2026 World Cup bronze final between France and England will take place today, July 18, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Kickoff will be at 11:00 PM Moscow time (5:00 PM local time). The match will be broadcast live in Russia on Kinopoisk, in Kazakhstan on Qazaqstan and Qazsport, and in Ukraine on MEGOGO. The match will be officiated by a team of referees led by Jesús Valenzuela of Venezuela. According to analysts, France has a 67% chance of winning, while England has a 33% chance. This match will be the farewell match for French head coach Didier Deschamps, who is stepping down after the tournament. Ahead of the game, Deschamps stated that the France team has no “passengers” and will undergo squad rotation.
Will the real England be able to avenge their simulation defeat? Or will Mbappé once again be the hero of the evening? Share your predictions in the comments – who do you think will take bronze at the 2026 World Cup?
