Alan Shearer has launched a fierce attack on FIFA ahead of England’s World Cup Bronze match against France, describing the fixture as unnecessary and accusing football’s governing body of placing commercial interests above player welfare.
The former England captain questioned the value of staging the third place playoff, insisting players should not be forced back onto the pitch just days after suffering heartbreaking semi final defeats. According to Metro on Saturday, July 18, 2026, England and France will meet in Miami before Spain face Argentina in the World Cup final in New Jersey.
While the Bronze match has been part of the tournament since 1934, criticism has intensified in recent years. Shearer dismissed the contest in blunt terms, saying, “Nonsense, rubbish, pathetic.Get The Full Story Here
