The 2026 FIFA World Cup features a third-place game, continuing a tradition that has been part of the tournament for decades. While the competition expanded to 48 teams for the first time, FIFA has retained the third-place playoff, giving the semifinal losers one final opportunity to end their World Cup campaign with a victory and a podium finish.
Here’s everything fans need to know about the 2026 World Cup third-place match, including the date, time, location, and why it remains an important fixture.
Does the 2026 FIFA World Cup Have a Third-Place Game?
Yes. The 2026 FIFA World Cup includes a third-place playoff between the two teams that lose in the semifinal round.
The winner officially finishes third in the tournament, while the losing team is awarded fourth place.
Although the World Cup format expanded from 32 to 48 teams in 2026, FIFA kept the third-place match as part of the knockout stage schedule.
When Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup Third-Place Game?
The third-place match is scheduled for:
- Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Time: 5:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium)
- Location: Miami Gardens, Florida
The match takes place one day before the World Cup Final.
Which Teams Will Play in the Third-Place Match?
The third-place playoff features:
- Loser of France vs. Spain
- Loser of England vs. Argentina
Once both semifinal matches are completed, the losing teams will advance to Miami to compete for third place.
Why Does FIFA Still Hold a Third-Place Match?
While some fans debate its importance, the third-place game continues to serve several purposes:
- Determines the official third- and fourth-place finishers.
- Gives teams one final opportunity to end the tournament with a victory.
- Provides fans with another high-profile World Cup match.
- Allows players to achieve an additional milestone before returning to their clubs.
For many nations, earning a third-place finish is considered one of the best achievements in World Cup history.
Has Every FIFA World Cup Included a Third-Place Match?
Nearly every FIFA World Cup has featured a third-place playoff. The tradition dates back to the early editions of the tournament and remains part of FIFA’s knockout-stage format.
Several memorable matches have taken place over the years, with teams often using the opportunity to finish the tournament on a positive note after narrowly missing out on the final.
2026 FIFA World Cup Schedule
The final weekend of the tournament includes:
Third-Place Match
- Saturday, July 18, 2026
- Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Gardens, Florida)
World Cup Final
- Sunday, July 19, 2026
- MetLife Stadium (East Rutherford, New Jersey)
FAQs
Is there a third-place game at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes. FIFA has retained the third-place playoff for the 2026 World Cup despite expanding the tournament to 48 teams.
Who plays in the third-place match?
The two teams that lose in the semifinal round compete for third place.
When is the 2026 World Cup third-place game?
The match will be played on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
Where is the third-place match being played?
The game will take place at Hard Rock Stadium (Miami Stadium) in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Does the winner receive a trophy?
While the World Cup trophy is awarded only to the tournament champion, the winning team in the third-place playoff officially earns a third-place finish and receives bronze medals.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place game remains an important part of the tournament, giving the semifinal losers one last opportunity to secure a podium finish. Scheduled for Saturday, July 18, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, the match will determine which nation leaves the tournament with third place before the World Cup Final crowns the 2026 champion the following day.
Whether you’re following France, Spain, England, or Argentina, the third-place playoff promises another exciting chapter in the biggest tournament in international soccer.