France vs. England: Will Michael Olise or Harry Kane end their memorable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaigns in style?
Bayern Munich stars Michael Olise and Harry Kane have the chance to put their semi-final exits behind them and etch their marks further into World Cup history when France play England in the bronze medal match in Miami on Saturday (kick-off 11pm CEST).
Olise dazzled as France made serene progress to the semi-finals in North America, earning a comparison to Tom Brady from Zlatan Ibrahimović for his artistry.
Having collected an astonishing 19 assists to help Bayern to the Bundesliga title, Olise is leading the way at the World Cup with more assists than any other player - five.
Should he set up another goal in the bronze medal match, the French attacking artist would level Brazilian great Pele's all-time record for the most assists at a World Cup, in 1970.
The match-up in Miami is also set to be the final appearance in the greatest season yet of Kane's prolific career. His 73 goals for club and country in 2025/26 makes his campaign the second best on record in a major European league this century.
Six goals in the tournament have already seen him surpass Gary Lineker's record as the highest-scoring English player in World Cup finals.
Another strike on Saturday would make the 2026 edition his most successful World Cup (having also hit six goals in 2018), while a hat-trick could see him claim his second Golden Boot, with Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappé currently the lead scorers with eight goals each.
While it remains to be seen whether England coach Thomas Tuchel and his French counterpart Didier Deschamps use the third-place decider to give playing time to squad players yet to feature much or stick with their big guns, Olise and Kane will no doubt look to relish any opportunity they are given to close the chapter on magnicifent World Cups in style.
