Everything You Need to Know About the FIFA World Cup Third-Place Play-Off
England and France will battle for the bronze medal on Saturday after both nations suffered painful defeats in the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup.
England’s hopes of reaching a first World Cup final since 1966 were dashed after Thomas Tuchel’s side conceded two late goals in a dramatic loss to Argentina. Goals from Enzo Fernández and Lautaro Martínez sealed Argentina’s place in a second consecutive World Cup final.
France, meanwhile, saw their dreams of lifting a third World Cup trophy come to an end after a disappointing defeat to European champions Spain. Despite entering the tournament as one of the favourites and producing several impressive performances, Les Bleus were comfortably beaten in the semi-finals.
With a place in the final no longer possible, both sides now turn their attention to FIFA’s third-place play-off, often referred to as the “bronze final.” Although the fixture has divided opinion over the years, it still offers both teams the chance to finish the tournament on a high and secure a podium finish.
A Chance to Make History
France will be appearing in the third-place play-off for the fourth time in their history. They previously defeated West Germany in 1958 and Belgium in 1986, while suffering a defeat to Poland in 1982.
England will feature in the match for the third time. Their previous appearances ended in disappointment, losing 2-1 to hosts Italy in 1990 before falling 2-0 to Belgium at the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
The Three Lions will now be hoping to claim their first-ever World Cup bronze medal.
Expect Goals
Despite its reputation as football’s least popular World Cup fixture, the third-place play-off has consistently produced entertaining football.
Since Poland defeated Brazil 1-0 in 1974, every bronze-medal match has featured at least two goals, making it one of the tournament’s most open and attacking contests.
Prize Money at Stake
Beyond national pride, there is also a significant financial reward.
The team that finishes third will receive $30 million (£22 million), while the fourth-placed side will earn $28 million (£20 million).
The tournament winners will collect $51 million (£38 million), with the runners-up taking home $34 million (£25 million).
Prize Money Breakdown
– Winners: $51 million (£38m)
– Runners-up: $34 million (£25m)
– Third place: $30 million (£22m)
– Fourth place: $28 million (£20m)
England’s Previous Third-Place Matches
England first played in the bronze-medal match at the 1990 World Cup following their heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to West Germany in the semi-finals.
Bobby Robson’s side eventually lost 2-1 to Italy, with Roberto Baggio and Toto Schillaci finding the net for the hosts before David Platt scored England’s consolation goal.
The Three Lions returned to the fixture in 2018 but once again finished fourth after goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard secured Belgium a 2-0 victory.
Who Won the Bronze Medal in 2022?
Croatia claimed third place at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after defeating Morocco 2-1.
First-half goals from Joško Gvardiol and Mislav Oršić proved enough to secure victory, earning Croatia another impressive finish on the world stage.
After the match, Croatia manager Zlatko Dalić described the achievement as a special moment, saying the bronze medal felt “like gold” after the disappointment of missing out on the final.
Recent Third-Place Play-Off Winners
– 2022: Croatia 2-1 Morocco
– 2018: Belgium 2-0 England
– 2014: Netherlands 3-0 Brazil
– 2010: Germany 3-2 Uruguay
– 2006: Germany 3-1 Portugal
– 2002: Turkey 3-2 South Korea
Kick-Off Time
England and France will face off in the FIFA World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00pm local time (10:00pm BST). UK viewers can watch the match live on BBC One as both teams look to end their World Cup campaign with a victory and a bronze medal.
