2026 FIFA World Cup Third-place Playoff

The two semi-final losers play for bronze. Hosted at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami in 2026.

Matches
1
Starts
Jul 18
Ends
Jul 18
Short
3rd

The 2026 World Cup Third-place Playoff, explained

The third-place playoff is football's most under-appreciated showcase. The two semi-final losers face off at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami on July 18, 2026. Past third-place playoffs include some of the most attacking matches in the tournament's history — exhibition vibes, World Cup intensity.

Qualification rule

Winner finishes 3rd, loser finishes 4th.

Format

  • ·Single match between the two semi-final losers.
  • ·Extra time and penalties if level after 90 minutes.
  • ·Winner finishes 3rd, loser finishes 4th overall.

Third-place Playoff through recent World Cups

How the Third-place Playoff has played out across the most recent FIFA World Cups.

EditionOutcome
2002Turkey finished 3rd; South Korea finished 4th
2006Germany finished 3rd; Portugal finished 4th
2010Germany finished 3rd; Uruguay finished 4th
2014Netherlands finished 3rd; Brazil finished 4th
2018Belgium finished 3rd; England finished 4th
2022Croatia finished 3rd; Morocco finished 4th

Frequently Asked Questions

How many matches are in the World Cup 2026 Third-place Playoff?

The Third-place Playoff consists of 1 match between 2026-07-18 and 2026-07-18 — an average of 1.0 matches per day.

What is the qualification rule for the Third-place Playoff?

Winner finishes 3rd, loser finishes 4th.

When does the Third-place Playoff start at the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup Third-place Playoff runs from Saturday, July 18 to Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Does Third-place Playoff use extra time and penalties?

Yes. If the score is level after 90 minutes, two 15-minute halves of extra time are played. If still tied, the match is decided on penalty kicks.

Can I get Third-place Playoff fixtures and live scores via API?

Yes. Filter the matches endpoint by stage (third-place) or by date range (2026-07-18–2026-07-18) to get every Third-place Playoff fixture, plus live scores, lineups, in-match events, xG, and odds during play.

How does the 2026 Third-place Playoff compare to previous editions?

The 2026 Third-place Playoff retains the same single-elimination format used in recent World Cups, but draws teams from the expanded 48-team field.

Get live Third-place Playoff data via API

Scores, lineups, events, xG, and odds. 7-day free trial.