Why is there a third-place play-off at World Cup? England vs France set for 'Bronze final' | OneFootball

Three Lions face familiar foes in ‘Bronze final’

England will face France in the World Cup third-place play-off on Saturday as they look to bounce back from their dramatic 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina.

The Three Lions’ hopes of ending 60 years of hurt may have been dashed, but their campaign is not quite over yet, and they will now travel to Miami, Florida to take on France in a game neither team will be particularly happy about playing.

Thomas Tuchel’s side conceded twice late on as Argentina came from behind to seal their place in Sunday’s showpiece final, while France were comfortably beaten 2-0 by Spain in the other semi-final.

England have competed in two previous World Cup third-place play-offs, losing 2-1 to hosts Italy in 1990 and 2-0 to Belgium in 2018.

France, meanwhile, have competed in three third-place play-offs, winning 6-3 against West Germany in 1958 and 4-2 after extra time against Belgium in 1986. Their only loss came in 1982, when they were beaten 3-2 by Poland.

While England will undergo some soul-searching after a bitterly disappointing exit at the hands of Argentina, France will be keen to go out on a high in Didier Deschamps’ final game in charge.

Kylian Mbappe will also have one eye on winning the Golden Boot for a second successive World Cup - the France and Real Madrid forward is currently tied with Lionel Messi for goals scored, but trails the Argentine by one assist heading into the final game of the tournament.

Why is there a World Cup third-place play-off?

The short answer is revenue, as a third-place play-off gives FIFA another game in which to drive ticket sales, while broadcasters can sell advertising spots in exchange for showing the game.

The third-place play-off also has an impact on the global rankings and gives players an opportunity to restore some pride and end their tournament on a high.

For some players, like Mbappe, the third-place play-off offers a chance to win personal accolades such as the Golden Boot or the Golden Glove.

Has there always been one?

The first third-place play-off was introduced in 1934, the second edition of the World Cup, with Germany beating Austria 3-2.

Before that, at the 1930 edition, third place was decided on goal difference.

Golden boy: Kylian Mbappe

Getty

There was no third-place play-off in 1954, with FIFA opting for a round-robin format for the first World Cup after World War 2.

The third-place play-off was then reintroduced in 1954 and has remained part of the tournament ever since.

When did FIFA start calling it the ‘Bronze final’?

FIFA announced in 2026 that they would call the third-place play-off the Bronze final.