CBS Sports backs France and Mbappe in World Cup third-place parlay
SportsLine experts are pointing to France, goals and Kylian Mbappe for Saturday’s World Cup third-place match against England.
By Deshawn Carter · Sports Writer
3 min read
France are being tipped to beat England in regular time in Saturday’s 2026 World Cup third-place match, with CBS Sports and SportsLine also backing a busy scoreboard and a Kylian Mbappe goal.
The match is set for Saturday, July 18, and gives both teams one last run-out after semifinal exits. CBS Sports reported that France, who had moved into favorite status after the group stage, were knocked out by Spain. England’s tournament ended against defending champion Argentina.
Chinmay Vaidya of CBS Sports published the betting card using FanDuel odds and SportsLine input from Jon Eimer, Martin Green, Matt Severance, Brandt Sutton and Brad Thomas. The three-leg parlay is priced at +292 at FanDuel, according to the report.
The three picks
- France to win on the money line in regular time
- France vs. England to go over 3.5 goals
- Kylian Mbappe to score at any time
Vaidya’s case for France starts with the fallout from the semifinal defeat to Spain. He wrote that Les Bleus were far from their best in that match, and said Saturday’s game gives the squad a chance to close Didier Deschamps’ time as France coach with a win.
The CBS Sports analysis also argues that France have more talent across the pitch than England. Vaidya added that England could rotate more of their squad in the third-place game, potentially giving minutes to players who have not featured much during the tournament.
Goals are on the card
The over 3.5 goals leg is listed at +110 at FanDuel, according to CBS Sports. Vaidya wrote that bettors could choose over 2.5 goals at a shorter price, but his parlay takes the more aggressive route.
The reasoning centers on match style. CBS Sports said England do not play with the same possession and control as Spain, which could give France more room to attack than they found in the semifinal.
Vaidya also noted recent third-place history. The last two World Cup consolation games finished under 3.5 goals, while the four before those cleared that line, according to the CBS Sports report.
His view is that France could score three by themselves, with England capable of adding one or two in a more open match.
Mbappe’s Golden Boot chase
The final leg is Mbappe as an anytime goalscorer. CBS Sports pointed out that goals in the third-place match still count toward the Golden Boot standings, giving the France forward another prize to chase even after the team missed the final.
Vaidya wrote that Mbappe is already on track toward becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup play. He also said the forward came close against Spain, with several attempts narrowly missing.
FanDuel odds cited by CBS Sports were subject to change. The report also carried the standard reminder to gamble responsibly.
This story draws on original reporting from CBS Sports.