#广场预测世界杯赢40000U World Cup roundup | Deschamps stresses the third-place match is not a friendly; Mbappé sprints for the Golden Boot, might Dembélé miss out on the starting XI! Tuchel: No amount of criticism will shake my decision to stay on!

On July 18, Beijing time, the World Cup entered its 37th day, with no matches scheduled for today. Tomorrow (July 19) at 5:00 a.m., the third-place match kicks off first, with France taking on England. On July 20 at 3:00 a.m., the final officially begins, as Spain and Argentina stage a showdown at the top level.
Top scorers chart
Messi currently leads the top scorers list with 8 goals and 4 assists. Current ranking:
1. Messi (Argentina) 8 goals (4 assists),
2. Mbappé (France) 8 goals (3 assists),
3. Haaland (Norway) 7 goals,
4. Bellingham (England) 6 goals and 1 assist,
5. Kane (England) 6 goals and 1 assist. Meanwhile, Messi also climbs to second on the assists list with 4 assists, behind France winger Olise (5 assists).
According to FIFA rules, if multiple players are tied on goals, assists will be compared first; if they are still inseparable, the player with fewer total minutes played wins (i.e., the higher goals-per-minute rate).
Mbappé will start against England—fighting for Deschamps and the Golden Boot
On July 18, Beijing time, French media reported that Mbappé will start in the World Cup third-place match between France and England. Although Deschamps is expected to rotate France’s starting lineup in this match, as team captain, Mbappé will still start. There are two goals: first, in Deschamps’ final match as France coach, to help the team secure third place in the World Cup; second, to compete for this World Cup’s Golden Boot. In addition, Kanté is also expected to feature in what could be his last appearance for France.
England head coach: Starting from the third-place match, we’ll make up the gap with top teams
On July 18, Beijing time, in the World Cup third-place match, France will face England. Ahead of the game, England head coach Tuchel attended a press conference. Asked about the semifinal loss to Argentina, Tuchel said the responsibility for the defeat is entirely on him, and he does not regret making adjustments on the spot. Even after switching to five defenders, it still couldn’t change the situation. He said the whole team will endure the pain together, and from the third-place match, they will adopt a challenger’s attitude to make up the gap with strong teams. In response to criticism from domestic fans, Tuchel was firm, saying no matter how many fans question him, it will not shake his determination to continue coaching England.
France head coach: The third-place match is not a friendly; a national-team career will always leave its mark
On July 18, Beijing time, in the World Cup third-place match, France will face England. Ahead of the game, France head coach Deschamps attended a press conference. Asked about this match, Deschamps said the third-place match is not a friendly, and he has a responsibility to do everything possible to achieve this goal. Regarding that tomorrow will be his last match as coach, Deschamps said tomorrow is the moment of curtain call—he will miss the France squad, and his national-team career will definitely leave a mark in his heart. Those unforgettable memories will stay with him. But most importantly, everything that matters is always ahead.
Durant and Messi, DeJong, Tom Brady, Rodri in the same frame
On July 18, Beijing time, at Fanatics Fest, the fans’ event on the day of the World Cup final, Durant shared an epic selfie. In the photo are: Kevin Durant, Messi, Tom Brady, Djokovic, Rodri, L. D. Martin, Rio Ferdinand, Kevin Hart (a well-known U.S. actor), Travis Scott (Travis Scott / the U.S. rap superstar), and Michael Rubin (head of Fanatics).
Messi on the “bathtub” photo: Meeting Yamal in the World Cup final is simply unbelievable
On July 18, Beijing time, Messi appeared as a surprise guest at an international federation joint event. When asked about the pressure of the final, Messi said the team always stays passionate and enjoys football. Speaking about Yamal, Messi praised him, saying at 19 he is already a world-class player, and the future holds unlimited potential. When asked about that famous “bathtub” photo, Messi reflected: he once took a picture with Yamal when he was still a baby, yet now the two will meet in the World Cup final—it is simply unbelievable. He wished Yamal good luck, but emphasized that Argentina will do everything to prevent him from reaching his best form, fighting for the title.
Argentina head coach: Messi is the best player in the football world—defending Yamal is best done by keeping him locked in the hotel
On July 18, Beijing time, ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Argentina head coach Scaloni attended a press conference. Speaking about Messi, he praised Messi as the best player he has ever seen in the football world—at 39 years old, reaching such a level is simply unbelievable. Speaking about defending Yamal, he joked, “It’s best to keep him locked in his hotel room,” admitting Yamal played too well. Scaloni also revealed that Spain head coach De la Fuente was one of his teachers, and he has always held him in high respect. He said both teams are built on controlling possession, and they will stick to Argentina’s football philosophy, while deciding the starting XI based on players’ physical recovery status.
Spain head coach: Messi and Yamal aren’t comparable right now; the final won’t be a man-marking job on Messi
On July 18, Beijing time, ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, Spain head coach De la Fuente attended a press conference. Speaking about Messi and Yamal, he praised Messi as a great genius and a role model for young players, while also stressing that Yamal must be himself and that he believes Yamal has a bright future; the two are not comparable right now. Asked about defending Messi, he recalled that in Seville’s youth academy he once tried a man-marking approach against Messi, but the latter scored four goals. Therefore, in the final, they will never use a man-marking tactic against Messi. He also said Yamal is in good physical condition, has returned to normal training, and that the two teams’ styles are similar—adding that the final will be a great spectacle.
Ma Ning: FIFA highly recognizes our performance—we showed the flair of 🇨🇳 referees
After completing his officiating duties at this World Cup, referee Ma Ning returned home and took part in a program. Asked about his officiating experience, he said he had been fully prepared before departure, and his mood was calm. Ma Ning revealed that FIFA sent an email to the 🇨🇳 football association, highly recognizing their performance. Regarding officiating just one match, he said he didn’t dwell on it or feel anxious—what matters is proving he has the capability to carry out World Cup officiating duties and to show the flair that a 🇨🇳 football referee should have.