Losing in a World Cup semi-final is extremely painful – but nations are given a chance to play one more time to claim third place.
Some may see it as a chance to redeem themselves after missing out on the showpiece final, while others will just want to go home.
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But either way, players have to step out onto the pitch again to play for the bronze medal at the tournament.
England lost 2-0 to Belgium in the third place playoff at the 2018 World Cup while Croatia took home the bronze medal by beating Morocco four years ago.
Despite the newly expanded World Cup seeing over 100 games scheduled in for this summer’s tournament, the third place playoff has remained.
And England will be in it…
Is there a third-place playoff at the 2026 World Cup?
Yes, there is a third-place playoff game at the 2026 World Cup.
Offically called the ‘Match for third place’, it will be played on the day before the final, on Saturday, July 18.
The playoff is going to be the 103rd game of the newly expanded tournament, with kick-off in the UK set for 10pm.
England will take on France in the bronze medal match.
The Three Lions lost to Argentina in the semi-finals while France lost their last-four clash to Spain.
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It will be held at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami.
The 65,000-capacity arena is the home to NFL side, the Miami Dolphins, and has hosted seven games in total this summer.
The weather has been a big talking point at the tournament and conditions in Miami are expected to be hot and humid with temperatures topping 35C.
The final between Argentina and Spain will then be held at the MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday, July 19 at 8pm BST.
eSPORTY will have live commentary of England v France with Sam Ellard, Nigel Adderley and former England defender Micky Gray.
Listen eSPORTY through the website or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Download and listen to all our live commentaries via the eSPORTY app.
For the latest odds and bet boosts for every big event, visit eSPORTY BET.
Subscribe to the eSPORTY YouTube channel for news, views and analysis plus our regular goals show and for more, follow us on eSPORTY Facebook and eSPORTY on X.
World Cup knockout results
Quarter-finals
Thursday, July 9
Friday, July 10
Saturday, July 11
- Norway 1-2 England (AET)
Sunday, July 12
- Argentina 3-1 Switzerland (AET)
Semi-finals
Tuesday, July 14
Wednesday, July 15
Third-place play-off
Saturday, July 18
Final
Sunday, July 19 – 8pm
Past third-place playoff winners
Four years ago at the 2022 World Cup, it was Croatia who finished third by winning the playoff.
They beat Morocco 2-1 in Qatar following their respective defeats to Argentina and France.
In 2018, England lost to Belgium in the third-place playoff, with the Netherlands beating Brazil in their clash in 2014.
- 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 Korea Republic
Third-place playoff on eSPORTY
eSPORTY will have live commentary of the match with Nigel Adderley and former England defender Micky Gray, while you can also watch reaction on eSPORTY on Samsung TV Plus.
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Listen eSPORTY through the website or find us on DAB digital radio through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
Download and listen to all our live commentaries via the eSPORTY app.
For the latest odds and bet boosts for every big event, visit eSPORTY BET.
Subscribe to the eSPORTY YouTube channel for news, views and analysis plus our regular goals show and for more, follow us on eSPORTY Facebook and eSPORTY on X.
