Archive · 19 Jul 2026
Kevin Pietersen Criticizes FIFA 2026 Third-Place Playoff
Kevin Pietersen, a former cricket player, said the third-place game in the FIFA World Cup 2026 is pointless.
He felt bad for the players who just lost in the semi-finals and had to play a game that didn't decide the winner.
England beat France 6-4 in a very exciting match.
Bukayo Saka scored three goals, and Jude Bellingham scored a great goal at the end.
Kylian Mbappe became the highest goal-scorer in World Cup history.
Some people think the third-place game is not important, but it was England's best finish since they won in 1966.
Kevin Pietersen criticized the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff as pointless.
England defeated France 6-4 in a thrilling third-place match.
Bukayo Saka scored a hat-trick, and Jude Bellingham scored a crucial goal in stoppage time.
Kylian Mbappe became the highest goal-scorer in World Cup history with 22 goals.
Many argue the third-place playoff is meaningless, but England secured their best World Cup finish since 1966.
- Who
- Kevin Pietersen, England and France football teams
- What
- Criticism of the FIFA World Cup 2026 third-place playoff
- When
- After the third-place playoff match on July 19, 2026
- Where
- FIFA World Cup 2026
- Why
- Pietersen believes the third-place playoff is pointless and a waste of players' time
- Match Result
- England 6-4 France
- England's Position
- Third Place
- Bukayo Saka
- Scored a hat-trick
- Jude Bellingham
- Scored a solo goal in stoppage time
- Kylian Mbappe
- Highest goal-scorer in World Cup history (22 goals)
- Michael Olise
- Most assists in the tournament (7)
- England's Last World Cup Win
- 1966