Why Does The World Cup Have A Third Place Play-Off?

The 2022 FIFA World Cup third place play-off in Qatar will see Croatia take on Morocco, four-and-a-half years on from Belgium and England battling it out in Russia at the 2018 World Cup.
At 20 out of the 22 editions of the World Cup, including this one, there has been a third place play-off, an unusual game treated with varying degrees of seriousness designed to determine who finishes 3rd and 4th at the World Cup - by why?
In this video, HITC Sevens takes a look at the history of the third place play-off at the World Cup, why they are often so odd, and whether they should even exist.

[@marinmilevoj4829]

Hearing that there are people who think we should scrap the third place play-off is super wild to me. I'm from Croatia, so our third place finish is a story that my generations parents all remember and it's always a very emotional and proud re-telling. Hearing some people see it as pointless is crazy.

[@DOMSHOMIT]

It kinda is pointless though lol. There’s no difference between winning a meaningless game and losing a meaningless game

[@forg_tful.]

@@DOMSHOMIT not for smaller countries who are not used to confidently going for the trophy. that 3rd place finish, as the guy you replied to said, can have monumental status for generations of a nation.

[@ousmansano21]

@@forg_tful.like Turkey in 02 also

[@Yafama]

@@DOMSHOMIT The whole World Cup is meaningless if you decide to give no meaning to it. The third place playoff has been given meaning by smaller nations (and even bigger ones), representing a good showing

[@saptaccrvima3563]

@@DOMSHOMIT world cup is also pointless, we, fans, earn absolutely nothing out of it, yet, we tune in every day for 30 days to watch athletic men run with a ball...

[@teamrainbow7674]

As a Swede, one of my country’s most fondly remembered collective sporting memories was winning the third-place playoff in the 1994 World Cup. I get that some don’t care about the game and for countries like Brazil, France or England it might not mean anything, but for smaller footballing nations winning the bronze medal really is something to celebrate and it’s something to show for the massive achievement of going that deep in football’s biggest tournament

[@Swedishlegonerd]

Totally agree. Everyone here remembers the hole of the 1994 game and see it as a one of the biggest football achievements ever.

[@rohithraman6488]

true, imagine how much it would mean to Morocco if they won today

[@gustavmoberg5573]

Another Swede here, I of course also agree, especially surrounding the small teams argument.

[@babitz0r]

As a Croatian I agree. The bronze at wc 98 is still a very fond and proud memory to everyone in Croatia.

[@ElSoloNoco]

Oh no, believe me, I'm from England and it still means a lot to us. Not anywhere near as much as staying in the final ofcourse but just to win a medal... We got there last time, and lost. Its nice to see your country play the max of 7 games at a World Cup too, even if the 7th game is the 3rd place play offs

[@shinglemcdingle4093]

For us Croats, the game is beyond important. We are a tiny nation and have a chance to takr the medal in 3 out of 6 world cups that we ever played, a feat we can be really proud about. The 1998 bronze medal playoff was obviously even more important since we were only just out of the war and it was our first world cup ever

[@natty6856]

Moroccan here, best of luck to you guys, may the best team win 🤝 Edit: GG guys, you played well!

[@taxicamel]

A very stupid video courtesy of HITC Sevens .....only for the purpose of making a video .....just to make some money .....otherwise, it is one of the stupidest videos yet. The question of "third place" as if there is no significance to anyone ....spectators, players, or the world. WHERE does this come from in the first place? A few ....or simply ONE person makes the statement/suggestion "third place" is a waste of time .....particularly the WORLD CUP. There ARE other articles that make this claim ...so hence the potential legitimacy to the thought. The name De Bruyne has been used in one article. ONE guy with possibly a chip on his shoulder ...a top quality player ......and GOSSIP SOCIAL MEDIA ......JUST LIKE THIS VIDEO GUY/GROUP ....have fodder for a story. Well, make this suggestion to ANY teams that DO play the "runner-up" game .....and ask them if there is any significance or importance to this game .....and ask the rest of the world if this game is worth playing and you will get a RESOUNDING "YES" .....BECAUSE IT "IS" VERY IMPORTANT ......no matter what someone or people think or say ....such as De Bruyne. Just now watching the end of the Croatia/Morroco match. You can't tell me this game wasn't important to either team. JUST LOOK AT BOTH TEAMS and try to tell me it wasn't important to BOTH!!! This is what I truly HATE about GOSSIP SOCIAL MEDIA TRASH/HACK VIDEOS and STORIES like this by people who go out of their way to CREATE SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT EXIST .....just to fill their own personal pockets with money. These people don't really care WHAT they say or do ....just so long as they can attract "clicks". .

[@TequilaToothpick]

Is it that important? Getting to the semi final is all anybody remembers and is already a massive achievement.

[@shinglemcdingle4093]

@@TequilaToothpick nope not really, we remember the 1998 bronze very well, it is one of our biggest national accolades. You should have seen the celebrations on the street yesterday after we won. I got so drunk later

[@lsmith6036]

Congrats Croatia

[@henriklbn7983]

Bastian Schweinsteiger's performance in the third place play-off against Portugal 2006 is still relatively well known in Germany

[@segafreak2000]

Plus the fact that it was Kahn's farewell game for the national team.

[@BecauseImFreddie]

In Portugal too ...

[@ivansevo427]

He won that game by himself he was spectacular

[@TootingKarmoon]

@@BecauseImFreddie no Germany

[@reintaler6355]

@@TootingKarmoon in both Germany and Portugal

[@michaelschlicker]

As a German I don’t remember much about the third place game in 2010 but a lot about the game in 2006. It really depends on the attitude. In 2006 we were surprisingly strong after an awful euro 2004 and this World Cup at home was one big party. It was a thank you to our squad and a good bye for Oliver Kahn.

[@DonGivani]

If Uruguay would have won 2010 third game match, there would be a big feast

[@PrakharTalksSports]

I watched the 3rd place playoff match between Croatia and Morocco and this is what I noticed. I felt that the two teams played with pressure off their shoulders so they had more bite in their games. It also gave chance to the players who did not get time in earlier matches. And certainly both teams played with an out and out intention to win. So yeah, there could be some meaning to this match

[@DonGivani]

Exactly!!! Same thoughts

[@Sacto1654]

And then we had the opposite in 2014: Brazil essentially "went through the motions" in the third-place game and lost to the Netherlands 3-nil.

[@power279]

@@Sacto1654 nah..they are bunch of weak losers.. after getting trash 7-1..if they have some pride left..they should have fight more for the third places..2014 brasil squad is one of the worst Brasil Squad Ever..if not .THE WORST OF ALL TIME.

[@hrvojehorvat5036]

I am Croatian, and first medal that we won since indipendendent was 3rd place in France 98, that brougt so much happiness and joy to our people. And today wer playing again 4 3rd place, and I am the same exited as we play final.

[@anasfarahi4401]

good luck against us, and may the best team win. We started together, we finish together. Well, congratulations 🎉

[@evilanime8722]

U will win again today don't worry bro Croatia 3rd place confirmed🤘

[@jedaye47]

This is a little random but you have the same name as a newgen I fondly remember from FM14, dude almost single handedly won me the CL!

[@caverramos7581]

@@anasfarahi4401 it was nice that after the game finished both croatian and moroccan players took a photo celebrating. That doesnt normally happens in the final

[@9delta988]

The Dutch players are known for stating that to this day they regret not giving it their all to get third place.

[@oldoak2804]

In Sweden, our 3rd place finish in 1994 is still celebrated as one of the biggest achievements in Sweden in all sports. For me personally, it was also the first World Cup I saw so it holds a special place in my heart. I still remember the beauty of a goal scored by a young Henrik Larsson at the game

[@anthonymcken6050]

I remember that game they destroyed Bulgaria and Henrik played a barnstorming game.

[@ditik2795]

@Anthony Mcken because Bulgaria had no incentive to play that game lmao. They were robbed vs Italy so they weren't mentally in the mood for a 3rd place game

[@taxicamel]

A very stupid video courtesy of HITC Sevens .....only for the purpose of making a video .....just to make some money .....otherwise, it is one of the stupidest videos yet. The question of "third place" as if there is no significance to anyone ....spectators, players, or the world. WHERE does this come from in the first place? A few ....or simply ONE person makes the statement/suggestion "third place" is a waste of time .....particularly the WORLD CUP. There ARE other articles that make this claim ...so hence the potential legitimacy to the thought. The name De Bruyne has been used in one article. ONE guy with possibly a chip on his shoulder ...a top quality player ......and GOSSIP SOCIAL MEDIA ......JUST LIKE THIS VIDEO GUY/GROUP ....have fodder for a story. Well, make this suggestion to ANY teams that DO play the "runner-up" game .....and ask them if there is any significance or importance to this game .....and ask the rest of the world if this game is worth playing and you will get a RESOUNDING "YES" .....BECAUSE IT "IS" VERY IMPORTANT ......no matter what someone or people think or say ....such as De Bruyne. Just now watching the end of the Croatia/Morroco match. You can't tell me this game wasn't important to either team. JUST LOOK AT BOTH TEAMS and try to tell me it wasn't important to BOTH!!! This is what I truly HATE about GOSSIP SOCIAL MEDIA TRASH/HACK VIDEOS and STORIES like this by people who go out of their way to CREATE SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT EXIST .....just to fill their own personal pockets with money. These people don't really care WHAT they say or do ....just so long as they can attract "clicks". .

[@taxicamel]

@@ditik2795 ....Italy ....one of those countries who DOES have an element of ARROGANCE. They make a collective decision that a game is "not worth their effort" and defeat themselves before they even start. What is funny to watch about Italy is, they would start a game, seemingly "disinterested" in playing ....but they get into the game at times and start playing ......and then realize they are NOT supposed to be interested, and instantly STOP PLAYING .....until something happens and instantly START PLAYING again. It is a funny country illusion. Italians really like to think their culture is the best in the world, even though their performance does not support such a claim. They DID win last in 2006 and were competitive in the 80's and 90's, winning in '82 ......but no better than any other country. Times change. .

[@markocroatia7630]

Sweden also win 1950 third place and 19 58 second.

[@FootballDrawn]

I actually like the 3rd playoff match. I think it's a consolation prize for a team that's gone all the way to the Semis. I actually think they should introduce it in the Euros as well. Brilliant video, as always ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽

[@ricardo_miguel13]

Yes, I waited for Spain-Denmark but it never happened

[@FootballDrawn]

@@ricardo_miguel13 Indeed...What a game it would've been. Would've loved to watch that game in that context

[@ricardo_miguel13]

@@FootballDrawn At least both are counted officially third but yeah no medals, etc. As a spain fan I was happy to get that last year after their downfall.

[@lsmith6036]

I agree, I even think 4th place is a more notes marked achievement, than reaching a semi, it's a real place and marker, I think Britain's media has silly views on some things like the old intercontinental champs,

[@poki580]

@@lsmith6036 they gave us shit because we dared to celebrate our bronze, miserable nation

[@anasfarahi4401]

I am Moroccan. We might never get to play a third place play-off again in my lifetime. So, tonight's game definitely means something. Edit: Well, sadly we didn't win, but thank you all. Still proud of these guys. I mean towards the end we were basically playing with midfielders as defenders, this is how badly we were hit by injuries. Can't blame them. See you in 2026! 🇲🇦

[@LaVaZ000]

I doubt it really, Morocco has a quality squad. You might be like Croatia, they never had a really good squad but they find themselves in the knockout stages, maybe it's football heritage.

[@akai9401]

@@LaVaZ000 I agree

[@connor4435]

Best of luck tonight, I’d love for Morocco to make history

[@martenkats6915]

Good luck for today's game. You were very impressive this tournament and I really hope your players can bring home the deserved bronze medal.

[@apeacefulfriend2936]

I hope Morocco wins, so CAF is finally better than AFC in view to confederation-performances at the World cup. Even if it might be for four years only.

[@francolive5718]

I’ve always liked it purely for the fact some of the players that didn’t play get a chance to have a run out. The World Cup is such a rare event at least more players can say they played in it.

[@discodavid26]

Totally agree … that and it gives one often unlucky semi finalist a chance to go out on a win . I understand in the aftermath off covid and in this strange season why they went to five subs on 3 occasions for all games but personally for future world cups I wish they would go back to 3 subs only rule plus 1 extra for extra time games … however I would give it a tiny bit off give/flexibility for when it’s needed most …… by allowing up to two extra subs for all games but only in the case off serious head injuries and only if referees grants permission so that when each game starts The coaches think they only have three subs tactical or not that Can be made but on the rare occasions we really need extra subs that they happen … in these rare cases the ref would tell the injured player if he goes off straight away due to suspect head injuries that it’s a “free” extra sub (or 2) and not part off the normal 3/4 and in 99% off cases the other team gets extra sub too unless it’s really premeditated assault! the only exception I would make is for the 3rd place game …for the reasons you gave …I would give 3 subs for 1st half and during halftime interval ( after which you lose any you haven’t used) 3 second half kickoff onwards subs ( which do carry on into et if not used ) the now standard additional sub in extra time games and 1 special gk for gk sub which can be used at anytime only during this 3rd place game … Still allowing the rare but extra sub or two subject to the referees agreeing that it’s a serious head injury.

[@reintaler6355]

Michel Vorm liked this comment

[@hi-ls6lt]

@@discodavid26 I think they will go back to the normal subs. People don’t care about women’s football but they’re not having 26 players next year for their tournament so it gives me an idea that by the time Euro 24 is around, I feel we will go back to three subs + 1 in extra time. Having 5 subs for 23 play squad would not sit right with me.

[@Daneelro]

Ever since 1994, the third-place play-offs have been some of the best matches of each tournament. This is probably down to the fact that since that time, usually, there was at least one small team advancing into the semifinals, and still had ambition into the third-place match. My personal favourite is the furious 2-3 game between South Korea and Turkey in 2002. So I'm totally in favour of keeping them.

[@anthonymcken6050]

The third place game is more entertaining than the final.

[@hi-ls6lt]

@@anthonymcken6050 usually more high scoring too. I think 2018 was the first time in a while the final had more goals than the 3rd place game.

[@nightprowler6336]

​@@anthonymcken6050in 2010 🇩🇪3-2🇺🇾 was one of the best matches in the tournament.

[@markodon1000]

Maybe you can't remember who scored in 2018 3rd place match, but I can surely tell you I will remember all details of the 1998 one for as long as I live. As a Croat, I was ecstatic that we beat the Netherlands and got the bronze medal - it showed character and these players came back home with their heads high. If they would have lost, I don't think it would be seen as so important, but I definitely think it made a real difference.

[@thodorism6707]

2018 Belgium was much more superior to England. That's why England tried to sell the game as a friendly. Funnily enough, it would have been their best finish for the last 56 years

[@caverramos7581]

I agree. Thing is some nations like England or the netherlands are super arrogant and believe they deserve the gold instead of realising that getting the bronze is also an archievement. Idemo u broncu Vatreni

[@taxicamel]

EXACTLY .....A TRULY IMPORTANT GAME FOR YOU AND THE COUNTRY!!!!! A very stupid video courtesy of HITC Sevens .....only for the purpose of making a video .....just to make some money .....otherwise, it is one of the stupidest videos yet. The question of "third place" as if there is no significance to anyone ....spectators, players, or the world. WHERE does this come from in the first place? A few ....or simply ONE person makes the statement/suggestion "third place" is a waste of time .....particularly the WORLD CUP. There ARE other articles that make this claim ...so hence the potential legitimacy to the thought. The name De Bruyne has been used in one article. ONE guy with possibly a chip on his shoulder ...a top quality player ......and GOSSIP SOCIAL MEDIA ......JUST LIKE THIS VIDEO GUY/GROUP ....have fodder for a story. Well, make this suggestion to ANY teams that DO play the "runner-up" game .....and ask them if there is any significance or importance to this game .....and ask the rest of the world if this game is worth playing and you will get a RESOUNDING "YES" .....BECAUSE IT "IS" VERY IMPORTANT ......no matter what someone or people think or say ....such as De Bruyne. Just now watching the end of the Croatia/Morroco match. You can't tell me this game wasn't important to either team. JUST LOOK AT BOTH TEAMS and try to tell me it wasn't important to BOTH!!! This is what I truly HATE about GOSSIP SOCIAL MEDIA TRASH/HACK VIDEOS and STORIES like this by people who go out of their way to CREATE SOMETHING THAT DOES NOT EXIST .....just to fill their own personal pockets with money. These people don't really care WHAT they say or do ....just so long as they can attract "clicks". .

[@taxicamel]

@@caverramos7581 ...I don't know that I would go as far as using the word "arrogant" ....but you are VERY close. England came out with guns blazing ....setting a very aggressive drive .....and then it fizzled .....the WHOLE TEAM ....fizzled. The "arrogance" factor may have set in and they may have thought they would be "invincible" .....and no need to go into any detail ......the rest is HISTORY .......DOCUMENTED HISTORY ......particularly KANE. I found out later the KANE did exactly the same thing as recently as this last season!!!! And he had done the same two times previously .....so he HAD A HISTORY OF SHOOTING OVER THE NET!!!! It would appear SOUTHGATE didn't know this. But once again, IT IS NOW IN THE HISTORY BOOKS FOR KANE TO LIVE WITH FOR THE REST OF HIS LIFE! They didn't even qualify for "third" place. .

[@charliezz6746]

@@thodorism6707 At least England actually have a world cup Belgium have never won anything let alone the world cup in their entire football history even the Netherlands have one euro cup it doesn't matter how long ago it was either winning one world cup still matters.

[@rohithraman6488]

Personally I like a third place play off, it could mean that even if you're knocked out, players who don't usually start for the national team can get a taste of world cup football, in 2006 Germany played Portugal and I know Oliver Kahn was the goalkeeper in 2002 but in 2006 he was second choice behind Lehmann and the third place play off was his farewell game for Germany so it was quite a nice send off for him

[@vodkaabsolut4857]

The final is for the immortality, the third place game is for being remembered.

[@KangaPanda]

Think they should reintroduce it for the Euros as well, give players who didn't get a game a chance on an international stage and also, if any legends are retiring, it gives them a chance to say thank you.

[@paulojrneto]

I agree with the Euros: imagine what a France-England in 1996, Portugal - Netherlands in 2000, Czech Republic-Netherlands in 2004, Russia - Turkey in 2008, Portugal-Germany in 2012, Wales-Germany in 2016 and a Denmark-Spain in 2021 would have been like.

[@markocroatia7630]

​@@paulojrneto I think they should play from 2024. They need too... it's part of European football charm.

[@janberg3232]

For me in Germany, those 3rd place matches in 06 & 10 were a nice onsolation price. Good and beloved teams that were able to finish with a victory.

[@rose7996]

Growing up as a Croat, our 3rd place finish in ‘98 was nothing short of a story of triumph I listened too for years. This was mentioned to me so many times from my elders that it became engraved into the mind of every single Croat. A moment we wore with pride. In 2018 I got to witness history being made. In 2022 I got to relive the excitement my elders spoke so much about. One day I hope to tell the same stories my elders told me to my children. Third place for us was everything. It inspired the likes of Modric, Mandzukic, Perisic, Gvardiol, Rakitic, Kovacic.. the list goes on. 🇭🇷🤙🏼

[@lukasbosina301]

I was on vacation in Turkey in 2002 and they cared a lot about the game. It was even repeated on national TV later that day. And yes it was an amazing game, especially the first 25 minutes.

[@gontrandjojo9747]

Maybe the only 3rd place game everyone in the world cared out. Nobody wanted the cheating South Koreans get the bronze medal.

[@TequilaToothpick]

Especially the first 15 seconds!

[@getkosiorekt8345]

As a Pole, the third-place play-off created some of the fondest memories that our country has as a footballing nation. My father who got to watch Poland beat both Brazil and France in 1974 and 1982 still talks about it to this day, just like the vast majority of our supporters and we always bring up Górski's legendary team as something to look up to for our players whenever a tournament comes up. It created special memories for the entire nation that may not have been there had the 3rd place play off not existed and we can always fondly look back at it. Especially as this is an achievement that we'll never replicate

[@reintaler6355]

Ah yes, Poland whose WC record is better than Portugal, Belgium and México, but no one outside them knows or cares

[@getkosiorekt8345]

@@reintaler6355 To be fair decades of underperforming will do that to you. Only this year have we made the knockouts after 36 years. Aside from the 2016 Euros Poland have been pretty awful, we didn't make most of the tournaments and when we did, 6 out of 8 times we didn't even make it out of the group stage, not to mention our squad is nowhere near as strong as it was 1978 and 1982 so I understand people not talking about us, it's been 40 years sadly. While Belgium and Portugal have had success pretty recently: Portugal won the Euros in 2016 and Belgium finished 3rd at the 2018 WC, not to mention they have way bigger names playing for them

[@reintaler6355]

@@getkosiorekt8345 I always wonder what happened to the bunch that nearly took Gold in Barcelona '92. I hear many say that the sports was one of very few things that were better in the PRL, but never quite bought it. Thankfully a new generation has emerged and I look forward to seeing Zalewski, Szymański and Kamiński shine on the biggest stages.

[@edlawn5481]

I still say they never should have played that match against West Germany in those conditions in 74.

[@hahawas]

Right Alfie you've managed to convince me the 3rd place playoff is actually worth something and I may actually watch it - great video as always

[@lukaluka4868]

It is not important for teams like France,Brazil,Argentina because they already tasted the gold but it is huge achievment for smaller teams like Croatia. My parents would tell me all the time about 98' world cup and Croatia's bronze medal and we thought that we wont see anything like that ever again

[@paarsgordijn177]

The 2014 WC was the first one I consciously followed and i remember being very happy with a third place finish. I can remember people saying ''We'll finish second in the group and lose to Brazil in the round of 16''. To then finish third by beating A Seleção 0-3 in Brasilia was truly remarkable.

[@tirex3673]

Tbf, Brazil was probably pretty demoralized after losing the semifinals to Germany 7-1.

[@piotrekn3127]

As a Pole, those two third places are still fondly remembered here as a pinnacle of Poland's footballing achievements, especially the 1974 one. Of course, the lost semifinals are brought up more often, at least in my experience, but those "pointless" play-offs sure do have their place in our history :)

[@reintaler6355]

Lato and Deyna are such underappreciated legends. Also I'm pretty sure you didn't lose a semi-final in 1974 (since there wasn't one), unless you mean the water battle against Germany

[@piotrekn3127]

@@reintaler6355 Indeed, I meant the "water football" game v W Germany. I guess I called it a semi-final as a matter of habit based on the more recent tournaments :) Also, I agree about Lato and Deyna (although I'm too young to have witnessed them playing live). I wonder what they would have achieved if the regulations had been different and they had been able to move abroad in their prime.

[@reintaler6355]

@@piotrekn3127 it certainly was a de-facto semi, as much as Brazil-Uruguay was the de-facto final in 1950. I think you got glimpses of ''what could've been'' from Zibì Boniek, who did manage to carve out a career in a top league (thanks to Solidarność maybe?) Either way very glad to have this conversation

[@user-gb1vd9ns2i]

Prior to the 2014 Brazil - Netherlands third place play-off, there was quite some talk in the Netherlands about the disappointment of the 1998 defeat against Croatia (which at the time some had tried to shrug off as a glorified friendly, but apparently was still lingering as somewhat of a stain on a mostly solid world cup performance). This likely helped the Dutch to cruise towards a 3-0 victory over the host in 2014. 3rd or 4th place makes a significant difference.

[@Lucas66393]

Here in Brazil, the World Cup ends after the 7-1, we don't cared about 3th place so most of us didn't remember that game, even the team didn't care during that match, and because of that we lost

[@caverramos7581]

@@Lucas66393 yeah brazil played awfully in that game. The dutch scored 3 goald in 20 mins and to be honest they could have scored 9 but they had mercy.

[@Lucas66393]

@@caverramos7581 also, for that match, Brazil put 5 reserve players to start the match. Both defensive wingers, and 3 of the 4 offensive players are reserves

[@yudhabagaskara98]

7:36 phil jones in england squad back in 2018 was a miracle

[@Z1m0nN]

I think you cover it well. In my mind, the world championship of the world's biggest sport that is only held quadrennially definitely deserves a full podium. Sure, if it always was contested by the big nations' reserve squads, then it could be scrapped, but the importance to smaller nations is massive and it is remarkable how often underdogs make it to the semi-final stage. Belgium's reactions vis-à-vis England's probably reflects the historically mediocre state of Belgium's squad despite them having been better than England for a few years come 2018. Croatia has a chance to have medalled in 3 out of the 7 WC's that has been held since they could enter as a country which is truly astonishing. Morocco has a chance to become the first African medallist. It has meaning. The match itself is also more often than not one of the best games of the tournament and comes in stark contrast to the often closed down final where fear of mistakes dominates. I honestly wish that the Euros would have a third place game. It offers much for underdogs and would be entertaining. In the last 5 Euros, Czechia, Turkey, Russia, Wales and Denmark would all have had a chance to go for a medal, and I bet they would all have wanted it.

[@martintemelkov]

To be fair, in Bulgaria we still celebrate the fact that we finished 4th in 1994. The people who got us there now run the Bulgarian Football Union and they are quite frankly ruining it, but that's a whole other topic of conversation. The point is that this top 4 finish is widely celebrated, because we haven't qualified for shit since Euro 2004. This is the meaning of this 3rd finish game - for some countries you just don't know if/when similar success would arrive ever.

[@zenokada2278]

Personally I quite like the third place playoff, the difference between third and semi finalists is big for a nation like Morocco

[@darealgodzilla]

This game means a lot for the smaller nations which probably will never win the big one. Also the final matches have had the tendency to be a bit boring in recent years (since maybe 1990), with both sides primarily trying not to lose. The 3rd place match is always a fun watch.

[@helena14]

Here in germany the third place playoff 2006 is still held in high regard. It kinda saved the cup, As the hype was so strong that the entire media and many fans basically believed that the World Cup had already been won before the first game. A notion only getting stronger at the close wins against Poland and especially Argentina. The loss to Italy was a nation wide heartbreak (to the point that one year after the tournament a german guy stabbed an Italian because he couldn‘t accept that Italy had, at the time, won more world cups than germany). That game for third place kind reignited the spirit again and gave the world cup a happier ending than if it had ended with the semi finale for germany.

[@JoeMercersWay]

With a 48 team World Cup, if you gave both finalists and the winner of the 3rd place playoff a guaranteed spot in the next World Cup then it would mean more.

[@tomislav2494]

Yea but fifa wants more money and if the best teams dont play the qualifications that means millions of lost revenue from tv rights and so on. Just imagine if argentina and france also marocco countries that together have more than 150 mil people didnt play those 30 matches or so it would be a lost of revenue in 10s of millions dollars.

[@JoeMercersWay]

@@tomislav2494 they can still participate, just their qualification spot goes to the next team. The value of competitive football is enough incentive in the qualification phase. Maybe revamp the playoffs to guarantee them a spot in the playoffs in case they don't qualify automatically. It's never bothered FIFA to have the hosts not in qualification.

[@tomislav2494]

@@JoeMercersWay most people would not agree beacuse at that point it is not a competitive football if your not fighting for anything so it would be way less marketable and would bring way less money beacuse people would not be interested.playoff would be okay. host country is guaranteed beacuse of money again cause a local fanbase is more invested in the tournament if their country is playing of course and that is especially important at group stage level when a lot of stadiums would be half empty if there wasnt locals(and since they are there interest is bigger beacuse no matter how slim the chance is of winning the title they are still more invested)

[@realtalk6195]

Great idea actually. It ensures newly-great teams like Morocco stays in the mix and doesn't just fall off because of one missed opportunity in a four-year period. Going 4 to 8 years without opportunity can completely kill off everything achieved so far.

[@TheGreenPei]

As well as a 3rd place match, the FIFA Club World Cup also have a 5th place match.

[@blazer7731]

That would technically require a mini tournament if all the losers of the quarterfinals were to play each other

[@km-js7ws]

@@blazer7731 considering the fifa wants to expand the tournament to 48 teams for 2026 it doesn't seem so unrealistic.

[@TheGreenPei]

@@blazer7731 in the FIFA club World Cup, 2 quarter-final games are played and the team from Europe and the team from South America start in the semi-finals

[@pandamoon1214]

it might be helpful that it can change the top scorer of tournament. For smaller teams like marocco getting a 3rd place medal would still be cool

[@Luke-zs3jx]

I hadn't just forgotten who scored in the 2018 3rd place play off, I completely forgot we took Phil Jones to Russia

[@hahawas]

England women's 3rd place playoff win was a watershed moment for the women's game that really put them on the map and grabbed the nation's attention as an England football team that actually got a medal - so yes even in England with the right context the game can mean something

[@kristi4113]

I was going to comment this exactly, but add that the defeated foe was Germany, whom England had struggled to beat for YEARS. Add that to the mix, and that bronze medal was even sweeter for them, and they had every chance for another except their coach at the time didn’t think that match mattered much. What a tool Phil was, and that comment showed his elitist attitude.

[@kadaltokek3953]

Who the freak watch women football? Bunch of simps and incels?

[@constablekennedy7705]

More Cash for FIFA …….. 👀. ⚽️

[@joachimhitzke3300]

I am actually shocked by how little the third place Play-off is worth in England. Yes it is not as important as the final because well you can’t win the World Cup anymore but you can still win third place. To me this came makes perfect sense as it not only completes the podium but also gives an opportunity to the losing teams of the semifinals to win some kind “consolation prize” and to finish the tournament on a positive note. That is especially the case with smaller nations like South Korea, Turkey, Sweden, Croatia and Belgium but also with bigger countries like Germany. I very vividly remember the third place playoff between Uruguay and Germany in 2010 as it was the icing on the cake of a perfect World Cup for Germany. From the eyes of a 6 year old Germany boy and football maniac at least😅. Yes there was no opportunity to win the World Cup anymore but to this day haven’t even thought about not watching the third place playoff if my country is playing!

[@TequilaToothpick]

England treat it as a chance to play other players who haven't had a game, which is how I think it should be treated.

[@poki580]

@@TequilaToothpick england treats it like that because they havent won anything in 60 years

[@VG_164]

@@TequilaToothpick Which is weird considering England has not won a single WC medal in over half a century lol.

[@TequilaToothpick]

@@VG_164 Maybe to others. It's not viewed as a big match for obvious reasons, so why not get the reserves and subs onto the field?

[@connor4435]

I’m English and I love the idea of a 3rd place playoff, I’m not gonna pretend I watched the one on 2018 but it’s a massive deal for smaller nations and even for big teams it’s a huge accomplishment

[@DonGivani]

England losing 2 games in the final four, gives you a weird feeling leaving the tournament

[@TequilaToothpick]

@@DonGivani Yeah, but it means very little really, so our tournament ended in the semi final.

[@georgigeorgiev4871]

In less prominent football powers, those matches are huge. In Bulgaria you can still hear '4th in the world' remarks all over the media. 'Former semi-finalists' just doesn't bear the same weight

[@johndroos9486]

I'm Polish and this two third place play off was very important for us. 1. Third place sound better than semi-final or second on the second group stage like on 1974. 2. That was kind of redemption after loosing semi-final. Especially "semi-final" against West Germany. "Match on the water" like we call that game is the most painful football match in our history. Polish fans mention this game before every game against Germany. When we win with Germans in 2014,after they won a World Cup two months before, many peoples call this game a real revenge. Some Poles waiting 40 years for this.

[@tombartram7384]

I remember when the England ladies' team won the 2015 bronze final and it was beautiful seeing their reaction.

[@singhgaurav292]

I think, in the starting times of the fifa world cup was hosted as a part of olympics. And in olympics 3rd position is a requirement and wins you a bronze medal. So this idea of 3rd place in world cup might be because of that. That may be one of the reasons.

[@boringextrovert6719]

Schweinsteiger was crazy against Portugal in 2006. Many consider this to be his real introduction as a world class player

[@fear416]

As a Croatian, the 3rd place game meant everything to us in 98' but clearly much less now. I'm sure Morocco will be more motivated, but we'll see.

[@Z1m0nN]

8:05 Sweden hasn't won two play-offs. Like you pointed out, the 1950 tournament didn't have a play-off. We have placed third twice though.

[@MAVJ]

It's crazy to me that people think celebrating being the 3rd best team in the entire world is a waste of time. I get it, they didn't make the final. But in the grander scheme of it all, it's an incredible achievement.

[@Simmer1983]

It also depends a bit on the state of the current team. I can remember the Netherlands were devastated after their semi loss in 1998 because that team had the quality to become world champions and anything less was seen as a failure. The 3rd place could not motivate the players, most of them didn't feel like playing such a meaningless match and they lost to a very good Croatia who were up for it. No one seemed bothered. However, in 2014 actually becoming third was seen as a huge achievement because no one expected that Netherlands team to do well.

[@lindafedchuk5147]

When you win means a lot and when you loose means nothing! A lot of Italians think that this WC wasn't necessary!!

[@discodavid26]

I do remember one fact for 2018 3rd place game… both teams wore away kits … in the same tournament England vs Belgium group game both teams wore home kits!

[@ezraezra2928]

However, Croatia and Morocco had the same kits used in the group game during the third place match. More strangely, Croatia used the white shirt with red bars, which clashes the plain red one from Morocco.

[@PiousMoltar]

I legit just found out about that Barbados - Grenada game a couple days ago, crazy

[@discodavid26]

Doc brown turns up outside your house in the DeLorean …… mumbled something about he has to take you back in time to watch one single game off football to “save the world “ what game do you pick? Sometimes I think a really good /important game in history maybe England’s World Cup final maybe the Brazil game for years later maybe one of the first games in history maybe the first FA Cup final? …… maybe spurs in 1991 final just to try and stop gazza getting that injury from that tackle … to pay off five years later at the euros! …but most often if I’m think a unique game …… I’m thinking THAT Caribbean cup game!

[@annakobuk3618]

For me the fact that there is no 3rd place match during European Championships in football is much stranger.

[@Tris2000]

I hit "Like" as always, but this wasn't one of your best videos, because I think you answered it yourself. The fact that it's very important for the 95% of teams that don't expect to be almost guaranteed winners is good enough. Tonight's game between Morocco and Croatia was probably in the top 3 of all the games we've seen so far in this world cup when it comes to entertainment. I was gripped by it, and in spite of the fact that Croatia made the final last time around, they were clearly over the moon about their win tonight. I was rooting for Morocco, of course, but the best team won and entertained me more than England did in any of their games, including their rout of Iran.

[@Julian-pw5mv]

Idk, i am dutch and i vividly remember the game for third place in 2014. I remember being on vacation in italy and being in the camping bar and everyone going crazy when we sank brazil 3-0, because it was a Dutch camping in italy.

[@_Chairman_Meow]

I’ve just always thought it was a matter of pride. It’s nicer to be remembered as 3rd place rather than just a losing semi finalist

[@OliverFriberg]

As someone who loves watching football and as a Swede I like that there is a third place match. Even though I wasn't born in '94 I've heard all about the team from that year's tournament, watched highlights and some documentary type pieces on it, heard the songs (which are still world cup staple songs for most Swedes when we are in the world cup) and I watch the third place play-off every world cup. Sure, I understand it is'nt as meaningful for bigger or greater footballing nations and it's a lot for the players, but as fans I feel grateful that there is another game to watch and it works well as hype up for the final itself. 1. Another most likely great game to watch, as you mentioned they are usually some of the most high-scoring games in the tournament, so they are usually really fun games. 2. Even though anyone can understand that they oftenly are not playing like they did in the semi-finals it brings hype for the final in assessing how they are playing and performing and contrasting with the teams in the final to get more of a gauge on how you think the final will be. 3. I feel like it legitimizes the tournament a bit more, I hate the "what if's?" that happen when tournaments of any kind ends with 2 teams being set as "3-4th place", there are no questions afterwards they played the game we know which team would've beaten the other one that team came third they were better at the time/day. 4. For all the smaller nations and the ones not thought of as great footballing nations that get there, it is the biggest games of their life (except the chance of the getting to the final in the semis) it should be respected since they have put such a great fight up and those kind of accomplishments should be valid and important. Thanks for reading my TED Talk

[@TheFinalHoss]

Why is the euros one of the only international tournaments to not have a 3rd place playoff?

[@HungNguyen-qr7bt]

Hey Alfie can you make a vid on the 3+1 rule for foreigners in AFC and its members’ leagues? And are there any already existing alternatives to it that also encourage development of homegrown players without sacrificing the qualities brought by international talents?

[@narendrapanse7844]

Sigh! thankyou for talking me into watching todays 3rd place playoff.

[@MrMywishlist]

Even tough the 4th place team reached that high, I can only imagine that if feels like a double gut punch for them.

[@DonGivani]

Exactly, it is a double gut punch!!!!

[@realtalk6195]

IMO they should also give a 4th place medal (copper?). Even though it's not as great a feat as 3rd place, it should be acknowledged as an achievement rather than a second failure.

[@jonathanpadilla5166]

Sometimes the 3rd place match is more exciting than the final, like in 2010 Uruguay vs Germany that 3-2 game was more exciting than the actual final imo and Forlans banger was fucking crazy

[@lsmith6036]

Love this channel, it's fantastic

[@felixslattery369]

The ones who are saying we should scrap the third place game are people from countries that never play in the world cup, if your county have played that game you will realised that it´s great.

[@powerouletdino9405]

I think you absolutely nailed it. I’m an American, and I’m unlikely to see the USMNT make it to the final anytime soon (I do think there is a possibility it occurs within my lifetime though as I am only 20 and the sport is growing here), and so I would absolutely love to watch my country play in the third place match. Similarly I was interested to watch this years third place match as I felt third would be an accomplishment for either Morocco or Croatia, but in 2018 I felt much less compelled to watch it feeling that it wouldn’t be a big deal for England and at the time failing to realize what it could mean for the Belgians, as Belgium has had a solid team since I’ve watched the sport. Ultimately I’m glad it exists, and wouldn’t mind it in other competitions like the Euros or even the champions league (although I wouldn’t advocate for it on the basis of player health)

[@echarts3710]

As a Turkish person, I'm happy that we won something (bronze medal) after going all the way to the semi-finals. If World Cup ever scraps third place play-off matches, they should still award semi-finalist countries with a bronze medal; because countries like Bulgaria, Netherlands, Uruguay and Morocco also deserve a medal. European Championship actually awarded semi-finalists with bronze medal in 2008 (Turkey & Russia) and in 2012 (Germany & Portugal), but sadly cancelled it in 2016.

[@oliveratoic]

Winning 3d place in WC 1998. made huge impact on our Country and our football. It stayed in our collective memory and made us belive that we can do great things! Maybe it's not much for bigger nations, but for smaller, like Croatia, it means a lot.

[@man4437]

I find the indifference to a third place match fairly confusing honestly. I think the tournament format is kind of overvalued anyway but unless you're completely spoiled by the expectation of winning (ahem Brits) it should be a huge thing for you.

[@TheRealLastJedi721]

Idk why people think it’s weird it makes sense we need a clear 1,2,3 in the competition and it’s a nice consolation for whoever gets third

[@fernandoromeronunez2052]

I think it should be played. If larger nations see it as a friendly, so be it. The meaning it has for Cinderella teams makes up for tenfold

[@michawrzosek5417]

The two bronze medals at the '74 and '82 World Cups are the biggest football achievments ever for us in Poland so that's why I'll always stand for 3rd place play-offs. On a sidenote, it's a pity that Morocco lost theirs in 2022, I'm pretty sure it would've become equally if not more legendary for them

[@paulojrneto]

I'm Portuguese and to this day we're very proud of ther 3rd place finish in 1966 in the game against the USSR. It felt a bit of vindication after losing to England in the semifinals.

[@BrianStorm742]

We (the Dutch) definitely remember that third place playoff in 2014 more fondly than the final in 2010.

[@MatiasBFD]

For me as a Chilean, the best performance of my national team (and probably will be the best for long to come), was 3rd place, here at home in 1962. So we all football fans here have some really big appreciation for it.

[@xuem19]

I remember the 2002 3rd place game between Turkey & South Korea being a lot of fun, there were lots of goals & the players were happy to be there. It allowed them to celebrate that they'd brought their teams further in the competition than ever before.

[@louisbeerreviews8964]

It’s not Turkey anymore and it’s Türkiye

[@BigBoyJay_69]

22 minute video just to say "I don't know. But it's always been that way." This was more a recap of 3rd place matches than explaining why it exists in the first place.

[@mhsteamupbro]

Of course a third place playoff will get marginally less viewing than the most famous football game in the world, but it still has major value to the countries that finish third or fourth. If you're South Korea for example, a fourth or third place is still extremely valuable to you.

[@realtalk6195]

I'm pretty sure the "low attendance" in the 3rd place match-up is more so because it takes place 2 to 3 days after their respective losses in the semis. Some fans get bummed and leave, while most simply don't want to spend two or three extra days of lodging just to see one more match that isn't a final after already having stayed in the host country for multiple days or multiple weeks.

[@caliboy09]

Technically Spain and Sweden played a game that decided who would take third in 1950.

[@Dubliner-un9lw]

In Ireland the 1990 World Cup where we reached the quarter final is fondly remembered by my parents and grandparents generation. A team that had never qualified previously was in the last 8. That last 16 match vs Romania was treated like the final and even after losing vs Italy the team was welcomed back to Dublin by nearly a million people lining the streets from the airport to the city centre. Had we won bronze that year the celebrations would've been crazy. Thats my response when someone say the FIFA World Cup or Rugby World Cup should scrap the third place playoff (or bronze final as its known at the RWC). A RWC bronze medal would be highly celebrated despite us being one of the favorites for next years tournament in France since, like football, we never got past the quarters.

[@markocroatia7630]

I think we should watch from 2026 and on a fifth place match. Because 48 teams and we need to see more nations to reach success especially now when is harder to even be in Quaterfinals

[@MrPresident1878]

For teams that aren’t expected to be in the semis, the 3rd place game is gonna mean more to them. Like Morocco getting one more shot at hardware meant more to them and you could see them going at it (Croatia just had better quality).

[@discodavid26]

The funny thing I find about World Cup 3rd place games is most have placed one team really motivated ( normally Germany/ a small tiny population nation who will probably never get back to this level again and/or the tournament host nation) vs another team we clearly aren’t as bothered … England 2018 etc etc maybe the motivated team … they have a striker going for the golden boot while is closest competition is playing in the final itself etc etc … I’m sure the reason for the match is yes fifa money but also fifa do award bronze medals …… at the World Cup …maybe my memory is playing trick on me but I swear the England squad in 1990 got medals even though they also finished fourth but maybe it changed since then!? Also if you think it’s brutal at football world cups the rugby union World Cup for a few editions had a rule that the two finalists and 3rd place all automatically qualifyed for the next World Cup but the team who finished fourth had to enter the next tournaments qualifying competition and normally play super easy but annoying games to qualify ( rugby union has bigger drop off in quality after top ten nations then football does) … to me that makes the rugby 3rd place game even more brutal then the football one and finishing 4th at the Olympics football competition must really suck too.

[@DD-wp8gz]

I'm astounded at the fact that the Brits and other big countries are so self-centered that they would want to change WC rules to deny smaller countries the joy of winning a medal just because they're too sad that they lost a semifinal to want to play another game. How about you gain some perspective instead of believing that everyone thinks or has to think the same as you? Also, there are always exceptions to the rule so don't consider this a personal attack... unless you aren't one.

[@bkhunter8438]

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the aleague atm

[@ROL4NDpkmnguide]

It’s fun to have a free flowing beautiful game on Saturday and a big with huge stakes on Sunday. It feels like having the two extremes of the sport on full display on the biggest stage. I like.

[@siler22]

3rd place game on world cup is something i never questioned because its very important for many parties and you realise magic of world cup is ending and you are trying to see as much as you can untill you hopefuly get to watch another

[@KratosAurionPlays]

I went to a 3rd place game in 2016 for the copa america tournament. It just so happened to be in phoenix with the USA playing and it was my first time seeing the national team in person. 3rd place games are weird but if they didn't exist I wouldn't have gotten to see my team play live because the only other time the US is here is when they play mexico and I'm not about to attend one of those games due to how crazy they get. Had the US not been the loser in the semi final though I would have gotten to see Messi in person instead. Not a bad deal lol

[@nickortiz215]

As an Englishman 3rd place is the highest you’ll reach so you should probably appreciate it

[@arturoflash]

On the England vs Belgium game. I remember Hazards run and Meuniers slide into the cross for the second goal. It was the highest finish Belgium has ever had till now and it just was a great way too have some closure on the tournament

[@lkrnpk]

Third place is important for smaller teams, like I bet Turkey, Uruguay or even Croats, Morocco this year

[@lilturbo2657]

Nice I can go watch the game now thanks for the heads up

[@Centaur987]

That moment when you randomly see photos of you in a KZbin video. Nice throwback to flat iron square

[@dominikfrolec]

I remember all the details from the 2018 3rd place playoff :))

[@thelonegrenadier2597]

As a Brazilian I don't really care about the third place play off because I was still trying to recover from 7-1

[@bryanpena7268]

Yeah to most people once your team is out so is the hype but to the real fans of the sport its still great to see the 3rd place match, it gives you an insight of the final if it would of ended up differently not to mention to many nations 3rd place is still honorable.

[@reaprsxo]

i will never say no to an extra match in the world cup

[@lucaslonchampt613]

11:30 You have to keep in mind something. In 1982, France was nobody. I mean sure, they were in the semi-finals in 1958, but no one at that time saw it or cared. What fans knew about French Football in 1982, was that we sucked during the 60s and 70s, not qualifying for the Euros between 1964 and 1984 (when we were hosting it), and not making it out of the first round in the World Cup since 1958. I think French players resting has more to do with the fact that they were still dejected from how they lost to West Germany, which remains a traumatic event for the people of that generation, and just didn't have the heart for a 3rd place play-off. Not really a matter of a big nation not caring about it.

[@KnarfStein]

Why shouldn't there be? All almost all sport competitions, and many non-sport competitions, award teams/individuals for the top three place finishes. I mean, pose this question to the 4th place finishers, a.k.a. the ones who don't have medals.

[@brianforde7967]

Argentina 🇦🇷 🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷🇦🇷 Are the only country in the world that has never lost a single semifinal game in FIFA World Cup

[@Ale_LSH]

I think mentioning the 3rd place match at the Club World Cup would have been interesting too, despite how different it can be with clubs. It’s usually played by teams from confederations that had little hopes of winning (CONCACAF, AFC, CAF & OFC) yet people from those places usually care about it. At least in Mexico, teams who managed to finish 3rd were well regarded and remembered (Tigres got a lot of praise when they managed to go beyond that). The most obvious case of this was Necaxa who managed to beat Real Madrid on penalties at the 2000 edition, which is still brought up often here. It’s also fun because it feels like a test of which confederation is the strongest outside the obvious 2. Like I said, it’s quite different conditions from the 3rd place match at the WC but I still think it’s interesting to share that perspective.

[@lucambridgman7978]

The third place game of CWC is always a goal fest. This is the game in which the players play because they love the sport. Not much of pressure as the prize money for third and fourth is relatively small compared to finalists. Backups got to play. Also, it has been a long time when a continental club champion got to play against the equivalent team from another federation annually. So that means 3 historic competitions are sometimes revived: Afro-Asia Cup. Interamerican Cup, and Intercontinental Cup. I think it will be nice if for example, a semi-final in CWC consisting of UNAM and Sao Paulo, with the winner winning the Interamerican Cup, and if Sao Paulo lost while Real Madrid also lost, then the 3rd place game will also be the intercontinental cup. The 5th place game can be Mazembe and Al Hilal, which means winner also get the old Afro-Asian Cup. If there is no match between African and Asian champion the next year, but there is one the year after, then the winner will get that trophy again.

[@johnadedoyin6866]

I had been led to believe that the third place play-off game was a hangover from the Olympics where team sports (and indeed most sports) often had an extra game to determine who gets the Bronze medal. How do we know this? You will have noticed that the Uruguay Men's team shirt has FOUR stars as opposed to just two from the officially recognised World Cup victories of 1930 and 1950. This was because Uruguay were the gold medal winners at both the 1924 and 1928 Olympics and as such regarded these victories as the equivalent of winning the World Cup. Incidentally, the Bronze medallist at these two Olympics were Sweden and Italy respectively. I'm usually a BIG fan of your videos (the ones about the car crash that is PSG and Dixie Dean being recent favourites) however this one was a bit of a slog to watch not dissimilar to watching a World Cup Third Place play-off between two unexciting, limited and exhausted teams.I Pip! Pip!