Venezuelan referee Jesús Valenzuela Sáez will officiate today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match between France and England.
The two European rivals will meet on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m. ET as both nations attempt to finish the tournament with a victory and claim third place.
Who Is the France vs England Referee?
FIFA selected Jesús Valenzuela Sáez of Venezuela as the main referee for France vs England. Valenzuela is an experienced international official who regularly works major matches in South America and FIFA competitions.
He previously represented CONMEBOL at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and returned for the expanded 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Valenzuela is also familiar to England supporters, having officiated England’s scoreless draw against the United States during the group stage of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
France vs England Officiating Crew
Valenzuela will be supported by the following match officials:
- Referee: Jesús Valenzuela Sáez — Venezuela
- Assistant referee: Jorge Urrego — Venezuela
- Assistant referee: Tulio Moreno — Venezuela
- Fourth official: Jalal Jayed — Morocco
- Reserve assistant referee: Zakaria Brinsi — Morocco
Urrego and Moreno frequently work alongside Valenzuela in international competitions, giving the officiating team an established level of familiarity and communication.
How Has Jesús Valenzuela Performed at the 2026 World Cup?
Before receiving the France vs England assignment, Valenzuela officiated three matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup:
- Australia vs Turkey
- Bosnia and Herzegovina vs Qatar
- Ivory Coast vs Norway
He has generally allowed games to flow while maintaining control and has not been known for issuing an excessive number of cards during the tournament.
Why Are France and England Playing for Third Place?
France and England both reached the semifinals but were unable to advance to the championship match.
France suffered a 2-0 semifinal defeat against Spain, while England lost 2-1 to Argentina, leaving both teams to compete in the World Cup’s third-place playoff.
Although both teams entered the tournament hoping to win the trophy, the bronze-medal match offers one final opportunity to end the competition on a positive note.
England is pursuing its best World Cup finish since winning the tournament in 1966. France, meanwhile, will attempt to rebound from its semifinal disappointment and close out the tournament with a victory.
France vs England Match Information
Match: France vs England
Competition: 2026 FIFA World Cup Third-Place Playoff
Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Kickoff Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
Venue: Miami Stadium, Miami, Florida
Referee: Jesús Valenzuela Sáez
United States TV: FOX
Spanish-language TV: Telemundo
The match will also be available through supported streaming platforms, including FOX One, the FOX Sports App and Peacock.
Final Word
Jesús Valenzuela Sáez will referee France vs England in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place playoff.
The experienced Venezuelan official will oversee one of the tournament’s final matches as two of Europe’s top national teams battle for a third-place finish. With a World Cup medal on the line, all eyes will be on both the players and the officiating crew in Miami.