Former England international Alan Shearer has publicly denounced FIFA’s decision to hold a third-place playoff during the 2026 World Cup. The upcoming fixture, set for Saturday, will feature France and England just three days after their semi-final defeats.
Critics and supporters alike have advocated for removing this contest, citing significant concerns regarding athlete exhaustion. Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer argued that the match serves only to increase FIFA’s profits.
Shearer dismissed the organization’s claims regarding player welfare, noting the irony of forcing defeated squads to compete in Miami’s intense heat shortly after such difficult losses. He described the event as useless and pathetic, asserting that players would much rather return home to rest and recuperate from the tournament’s toll.
While the game determines the third-best team, it also impacts the Golden Boot competition. Kylian Mbappe of France currently shares the lead with Lionel Messi at eight goals, while England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham remain in contention with six goals apiece.
