What is the third-place play-off at the 2026 FIFA World Cup? What is England's historical record in the 'bronze final'?

React to this story

It is one of the more divisive matches at a FIFA World Cup, but England will have to rouse themselves for one more game this summer as they take part in the third-place play-off on Saturday in Florida.

Messi: It's crazy what this group has achieved

Video credit: SNTV

England's defeat to Argentina in Wednesday's semi-final meant they missed out on competing in Sunday's final against Spain in New Jersey.

Instead, The Three Lions will travel to Miami to take on France - who lost 2-0 to Spain on Tuesday - as the two losing semi-finalists complete their tournaments in North America in an underwhelming fashion.

Should England prevail over France, it will be their best finish at a World Cup since winning the tournament in 1966.

World Cup

UEFA confirms intention to boycott World Cup amid Infantino spin-off plan

30/07/2026 at 20:48

Here is everything you need to know about the third-place play-off at the World Cup.

What is the 'bronze final'?

The 'bronze final', as FIFA calls it, sees the two losing semi-finalists play a day before the final to decide who finishes the tournament third or fourth.

The game was introduced at the second edition of the World Cup in 1934, with Germany prevailing over Austria.

Much like in the Olympics, bronze medals will be awarded to the team victorious on Saturday, although it is hard to imagine many players being overjoyed with their new piece of silverware.

Germany have the most bronze medals, having finished third on four different occasions.

There are benefits for finishing third rather than fourth, with the bronze medal-winning side taking home $29 million (£21.4m), while the losers get $27 million (£19.9m)

Comparatively, the winners of this year's World Cup will be awarded $50 million (£36.9m) and the runners-up will get $33 million (£24.4m).

Although many might view the game as unnecessary in the grand scheme of things - former England striker Alan Shearer called it "utter stupidity" before The Three Lions played Belgium in the third-place play-off in 2018 - it can have its uses.

One final game has allowed players to either create moments of history or bolster their individual stats as they strive for personal awards.

For example, Hakan Sukur scored the fastest goal in World Cup history, netting after just 11 seconds against South Korea in 2002, and Just Fontaine took his tally at the 1958 tournament to 13 by adding four goals as France beat West Germany 6-3.

Fontaine's 13 goals are still the most by a player at a single World Cup.

It can also allow players to add to their Golden Boot candidacy, with Kylian Mbappe tied atop the standings with Lionel Messi on eight goals, albeit with Messi marginally ahead with four assists.

The match has often drawn mixed reactions from those involved, with former England manager Gareth Southgate calling it "not a game any team wants to play in" before the Three Lions played Belgium in 2018.

England's record in the third-place play-off

Saturday's match will be the third time England have taken part in a third-place play-off at a World Cup, and their record in these matches does not make for pretty reading.

Their debut in the match came in 1990 following their heartbreaking defeat on penalties to West Germany in the semi-finals.

On that occasion, England were defeated 2-1 by hosts Italy, with Roberto Baggio and Toto Schillaci scoring either side of David Platt.

England second-half struggles 'a similar story' to previous tournaments - Kane

Video credit: SNTV

England made their second appearance in the match in 2018 after losing 2-1 to Croatia in the final four.

Once again, it was another defeat for England, this time to Belgium, with Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard on the scoresheet in a 2-0 victory for The Red Devils in Russia.

While it may feel like 'after the Lord Mayor's show', third-place play-offs are typically goal-packed occasions, with the pressure of World Cup glory taken away often leading to more open affairs.

Since Poland’s 1-0 win against Brazil in 1974, there have been two or more goals scored in every 'bronze final', so expect fireworks when England take on France in Florida.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

World Cup