Ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup third-place playoff match between England and France have dropped significantly, with some tickets now cheaper than those for many group stage games. The match, scheduled for 18/7 (US time) at Hard Rock Stadium, will see superstars like Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane face off in a contest neither team desired after their semi-final exits.
Unlike previous matches involving these two teams, which typically commanded high prices and sold out quickly, fans can now purchase last-minute tickets for the Miami game. According to the New York Post, the cheapest ticket available on 16/7 on the secondary ticketing platform SeatGeek was 692 USD. This price represented a decrease of 492 USD compared to the previous day. Similarly, Yahoo Sports reported that tickets for the France - England match had fallen below 700 USD, a figure even lower than the entry cost for numerous group stage encounters.
This sharp decline in prices stands in stark contrast to other high-stakes matches in the tournament. Just days prior, the lowest ticket price for the semi-final featuring France against Spain was 1,390 USD. For the England - Argentina semi-final, the cheapest tickets reached over 2,930 USD. Meanwhile, prices for the final on 19/7 between Argentina and Spain remain exceptionally high, with spectators needing to spend at least 8,000 USD to witness Messi play live at MetLife Stadium.
The lack of enthusiasm from both teams and fans is a primary driver for the plummeting ticket demand. French newspaper L'Equipe described the third-place match as an "unnecessary game" and "a consolation that never truly comforts anyone". According to the newspaper, both the England and France teams returned to training with "no enthusiasm whatsoever" for the match, having just lost their championship dream days earlier. This sentiment is likely shared by many supporters.
Despite often being disregarded by players and coaches, the third-place match remains a World Cup tradition. FIFA has maintained this fixture since the 1934 World Cup to fully determine the tournament's rankings, rather than assigning joint third-place or using tie-breakers. Beyond determining final standings, the World Cup third-place match also holds significant commercial value, providing broadcasters, sponsors, and FIFA with an additional event to attract viewers and generate revenue.
Tu Anh (according to New York Post/Yahoo Sports)
