When was it introduced? Will it affect Golden Boot Lace? What do the administrators think?
Published July 16, 2026
After losing in the semi-finals, France will face England on Saturday in the third-place match of the 2026 World Cup, or what FIFA is currently calling the “Bronze Final.”
While most players and fans of the teams eliminated in the semi-finals just want to go home, some teams welcome the chance to play in the final World Cup match and see third place in the tournament as a real achievement.
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This match could also have an impact on the Golden Boot race.
Here’s what you need to know about the third-place match.
Why is there a third-place match in the World Cup?
This is a chance for the team to win a bronze medal and a podium spot, and in theory it will be an exciting matchup between the top two teams.
The extra matches are also an opportunity to generate more revenue for FIFA and the host city, and for broadcasters to help fill the gap in the schedule between Wednesday’s final semi-final and Sunday’s final.
When was the third place match introduced?
The system was first introduced at the second World Cup in 1934, when Germany defeated Austria 3-2 to take third place.
A playoff was held in 1938, the last tournament before the suspension due to World War II, but it was not held the following year in 1950.
It was revived in 1954 and has been held at every World Cup since.
Will this affect Golden Bootlaces?
As this is an official World Cup match, the number of goals scored in the match for third place in the race for the Golden Boot will also be counted.
In 1958, Juste Fontaine scored four goals in France’s 6-3 victory over West Germany, helping to set a still-standing record of 13 goals scored by a single player in a World Cup.
Saturday’s match could have an impact on who wins this tournament’s Golden Boot award.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi currently leads the way with eight goals and four assists (used as a tie-breaker in case of a tie), while France’s Kylian Mbappé has eight goals and three assists, and England’s Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham both have six goals.
Will the playoff winners be awarded trophies or medals?
No, but the third place team will receive $2 million more in prize money compared to the fourth place team.
Have France or England ever won a World Cup match for third place?
France has won two of the three third-place matches. They defeated West Germany in 1958 and lost to Belgium 4-2 in extra time in 1986.
France lost to Poland in 1982, but after a heartbreaking defeat to West Germany in the semi-finals, they rested several key players, including Michel Platini.
England have lost in each of their previous third-place matches, losing 2-1 to hosts Italy in 1990 and 2-0 to Belgium in 2018.
Which team finished third most often?
Germany has finished third in the World Cup four times, more than any other team.
When and where will the 2026 playoffs be held?
The match will take place at Miami Stadium in Florida, USA, with kick-off at 5pm (9pm GMT).
What are the coaches saying about Saturday’s game?
France coach Didier Deschamps: “A third place finish remains, so we will do everything to get it. We are not where we wanted or expected. The disappointment coincides with our ambitions… But we have to accept it. There is no other choice.”
England manager Thomas Tuchel: “None of the[England]players or the French players want to play in this game. They want to play in the final. We gave everything to get to the final. Everyone is playing to win the World Cup and that’s the reality.”
