Why is there a World Cup third-place playoff between England and France?

Ahead of the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, the tournament schedule features the traditional third-place playoff. On Saturday, July 18, England and France will face off at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium to determine who takes home the bronze medals.

The playoff is often met with mixed feelings. For FIFA and host cities, it provides an additional high-profile event that generates revenue through ticket sales and broadcasting rights. It also helps fill the gap in the calendar between the semifinals and the final. From a competitive standpoint, the match carries more weight than a friendly, impacting FIFA world rankings and future qualifying draws.

I think this match should never be played. It’s unfair. The worst thing is that there is a chance you are going to lose twice in a row. Louis van Gaal

The history of the third-place game dates back to 1934. While absent in the inaugural 1930 tournament, it has been a staple since 1954. Beyond the medals, there is a financial incentive, with the victor earning $2 million more than the fourth-place side. Individual records are also at stake, as the match offers a final opportunity for players to climb the scoring charts for the Golden Boot.

Despite this, many managers have been vocal in their disapproval. Former coaches like Gareth Southgate and Louis van Gaal have previously expressed that the game is one no team truly wants to play, particularly after the disappointment of a semifinal exit. Consequently, some nations have historically rotated their squads for the fixture, while others, such as Sweden in 1994 and Croatia in 1998, have embraced the opportunity to finish their campaigns on a high note.