Only one FIFA World Cup third-place match has ever gone to extra time, while no third-place playoff has ever been decided by a penalty shootout.
The only bronze-medal match to continue beyond the standard 90 minutes occurred at the 1986 FIFA World Cup, when France defeated Belgium 4-2 after extra time.
Which World Cup Third-Place Match Went to Extra Time?
The 1986 third-place playoff between France and Belgium is the only match in tournament history to require extra time.
The game was played on June 28, 1986, at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico.
Belgium opened the scoring before France responded with two goals to take the lead. Belgium later equalized, leaving the match tied 2-2 after 90 minutes.
France then scored twice during extra time to complete a 4-2 victory and secure third place at the 1986 World Cup.
1986 World Cup Third-Place Match Result
- Match: France vs. Belgium
- Score after 90 minutes: 2-2
- Final score: France 4-2 Belgium
- Result: France won after extra time
- Date: June 28, 1986
- Location: Estadio Cuauhtémoc, Puebla, Mexico
Have Any World Cup Third-Place Games Gone to Penalties?
No FIFA World Cup third-place playoff has ever been decided by a penalty shootout.
Although penalty shootouts are used to determine winners in knockout matches that remain tied after extra time, every World Cup bronze-medal game has produced a winner before penalties were required.
The 1986 match between France and Belgium remains the closest a third-place playoff has come to a shootout, but France scored twice during extra time to avoid penalties.
How Many World Cup Third-Place Games Have Needed Extra Time?
As of the conclusion of the 2022 tournament:
- Third-place matches that went to extra time: 1
- Third-place matches that went to penalties: 0
- Only extra-time match: France 4-2 Belgium in 1986
The World Cup did not feature a traditional third-place playoff in 1930 or 1950. In the editions that have included a bronze-medal match, nearly every game has been decided during regulation time.
Why Are World Cup Third-Place Matches Often High-Scoring?
Third-place playoffs are frequently more open than semifinals or finals because both teams have already been eliminated from championship contention.
Managers may rotate their lineups, give opportunities to reserve players and adopt more attacking tactics. With less pressure than a World Cup final, teams are often willing to take more risks.
That open style has helped produce several entertaining and high-scoring third-place matches, but only one has remained tied after 90 minutes.
Final Answer
Only one FIFA World Cup third-place game has gone to extra time: France’s 4-2 victory over Belgium in 1986.
No World Cup third-place match has ever gone to a penalty shootout.