2026 FIFA World Cup Third-Place Match: Teams, Schedule, Venue & Format

The 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match takes place on Friday July 18, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This match determines which team finishes third in the tournament. The two losing semifinalists compete one day before the World Cup Final.

The third-place match has been a World Cup tradition since 1954. Teams play for bronze medals and significant prize money. The match also awards FIFA ranking points and provides a chance to end the tournament with victory.

Hard Rock Stadium hosts this match after already hosting six other World Cup games. The venue underwent a $350 million renovation in 2016. The 65,000-capacity stadium will be called Miami Stadium during the tournament due to FIFA naming regulations.

How Does the Third-Place Match Work (Format)

The third-place match uses single-elimination format with one winner required. The match lasts 90 minutes split into two 45-minute halves. Tied matches go to 30 minutes of extra time with two 15-minute periods. Penalty shootouts decide the winner if teams remain level after extra time.

The two teams competing are the losers from the semifinals on July 14-15. Semifinal 1 loser from Dallas faces Semifinal 2 loser from Atlanta. Both teams had their championship dreams ended just days earlier.

Teams must decide how seriously to approach this match. Some coaches rest starting players who are exhausted or injured. Other coaches field their strongest lineup to compete for third place and end on a winning note.

Prize money differences make the match meaningful. The 2022 World Cup paid $27 million for third place compared to $25 million for fourth. The winner also earns more FIFA ranking points which impact future tournament seedings.

Players on the winning team receive bronze medals at a ceremony after the match. This represents official recognition as the third-best team in the world.

World Cup 3rd Place Match Teams

The two teams will be confirmed after semifinal matches end on July 15, 2026. As of November 2025, 34 of 48 World Cup spots are filled.

Currently Qualified Teams

• Hosts (3): United States, Canada, Mexico
• Europe (12 confirmed): Austria, Belgium, Croatia, England, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, Switzerland
• South America (6): Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Uruguay, Ecuador, Paraguay
• Asia (8): Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Uzbekistan
• Africa (9): Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, Cape Verde
• Oceania (1): New Zealand

Potential Third-Place Contenders

Argentina enters as defending champions. Brazil, France, England and Germany all field strong squads. Morocco reached the 2022 semifinals before finishing fourth. Croatia won bronze in 2022 after beating Morocco 2-1. Belgium won third place in 2018 by defeating England 2-0.

2026 FIFA World Cup Third-Place Match Schedule

Date	Teams	Match	Time (EST)	Stadium
Fri, Jul 18	Loser SF 1 vs Loser SF 2	103	TBD	Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens

Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens hosts the third-place match. This venue opened in 1987 and received major upgrades in 2016. The Miami Dolphins play here during NFL season.

The stadium features a partial retractable roof providing shade while maintaining an open-air feel. Giant video boards enhance the viewing experience for 65,000 fans. State-of-the-art technology and premium amenities make this a world-class venue.

The stadium sits in Miami Gardens about 18-20 miles from Miami Beach. Fans can reach the venue by rental car, rideshare services or potential FIFA shuttles. Miami International Airport is approximately 25-30 minutes away.

FIFA will announce the exact kickoff time after the December 5, 2025 group stage draw. Expect an afternoon or evening kickoff. July in Miami brings hot and humid weather but the stadium’s roof provides relief.

Hard Rock Stadium hosts seven total World Cup matches. The third-place match on July 18 caps the venue’s schedule. The World Cup Final happens the next day on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.

Third-Place Match History & Importance

The third-place match became a World Cup tradition in 1954. The match determines which losing semifinalist finishes third versus fourth. Bronze medals go to the winners along with higher prize money and FIFA ranking points.

Third-place matches typically feature attacking football with many goals. No match since 1974 has had fewer than two goals scored. Many recent matches have seen four or more goals as teams play open, offensive soccer.

Players competing for the Golden Boot often use this match to add crucial goals. Salvatore Schillaci in 1990 and Davor Šuker in 1998 both scored important goals to win top scorer honors.

Recent winners include Croatia (2022), Belgium (2018), Netherlands (2014) and Germany (2006, 2010). European teams have won third place eleven consecutive times since 1982.

Some debate exists about the match’s purpose. Critics argue teams lack motivation after losing semifinal dreams. Supporters say the match provides closure and a chance to finish with victory.

Host nations often use third-place matches to thank supporters. South Korea in 2002 and Germany in 2006 both gave emotional performances for home fans.

The match carries special meaning for smaller nations achieving historic results. Turkey’s third place in 2002 and Morocco’s fourth place in 2022 both represented their best-ever World Cup finishes.

How to Get Third-Place Match Tickets

FIFA runs all official ticket sales through FIFA.com/tickets. Fans need a free FIFA Ticketing Account with complete information and payment details ready.

FIFA opens ticket sales in phases starting about one year before the tournament. Early phases use a lottery system. Later phases work first-come first-served for remaining tickets.

Third-place match tickets will be easier to obtain than semifinal or final tickets. Prices should be lower than the premium knockout rounds.

FIFA has not announced 2026 prices yet. Expect standard third-place tickets starting around $150-300 USD. Premium Category 1 seats could reach $400-600 USD. Category 4 upper deck seats cost significantly less.

Tickets arrive as mobile tickets on the FIFA Ticketing App. Each ticket requires valid ID matching the holder’s name. FIFA checks IDs at gates.

Register your FIFA account immediately. Apply for multiple matches during lottery phases. Be flexible on seat categories. Watch official FIFA emails for sales dates. Book Miami hotels and flights months ahead.

WC 2026 Third-Place Match FAQs