France and England face off in Saturday's World Cup third-place playoff in Miami, a match neither team wanted after crushing semifinal defeats. Yet beneath the surface of this consolation game lie compelling storylines: a legendary coach's farewell, a superstar chasing history, and millions of dollars in prize money. Main Developments France's hopes of a third consecutive World Cup final ended with a 2-0 loss to Spain on Tuesday. England's dream was shattered a day later in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina. Both teams now must regroup for Saturday's match in Miami. Didier Deschamps takes charge of Les Bleus for the final time after 14 years at the helm. The 57-year-old led France to the 2018 World Cup title, the 2022 final, and three successive semifinals. His players have one last chance to send him off with a win. Read also: Why Zelenskyy's defence minister sacking could backfire Kylian Mbappe has scored eight goals in this tournament and 20 overall in World Cups. He trails Lionel Messi's all-time record of 21 goals and also competes with the Argentine for the Golden Boot, where assists break ties. Messi currently has eight goals and four assists. England's Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham each have six goals, giving them an outside shot at the Golden Boot if they play. Thomas Tuchel may rotate his squad significantly after an exhausting campaign, giving minutes to players who have featured less. Background The third-place playoff has long been viewed as an unwanted assignment for teams that fell short of the final. England coach Thomas Tuchel acknowledged the emotional toll: "None of these players, none of the French players want to play this match. They want to play in the final." Deschamps' 14-year reign transformed France into a consistent global powerhouse. Beyond the 2018 title, he guided the team to the 2022 final and maintained an unbroken streak of semifinal appearances across three World Cups. Saturday marks his final match in charge. Mbappe's World Cup scoring record places him among the tournament's all-time greats. His 20 goals put him one behind Messi's 21, with the 27-year-old still in his prime. The third-place game offers a low-pressure stage for individual achievement. Why It Matters For fringe players on both sides, the match represents a rare opportunity to impress their coaches ahead of future competitions. Tuchel and Deschamps are expected to rotate heavily, giving squad members their first significant minutes of the tournament. The financial stakes are real: the third-placed team earns $29 million, while fourth place brings $27 million. That $2 million difference, while modest in context, still matters for federation budgets and player bonuses. Mbappe's pursuit of the all-time scoring record adds a historic dimension. If he scores twice and Messi fails to add to his tally in the final, the French captain could claim both the Golden Boot and the career record in a single match. What's Next Saturday's match in Miami kicks off at a time yet to be announced. Deschamps will then step down, ending an era for French football. France's federation must now search for a successor to build on the legacy he established. The World Cup final on Sunday pits Spain against Argentina, with Messi seeking to cap his career with another title. For England and France, the third-place game provides closure and a chance to end their North American campaign on a winning note.