The FIFA Club World Cup is evolving in 2025, with more teams, higher stakes and an American setting adding new layers to the tournament’s global appeal. But not every tradition is guaranteed to stay.
As the revamped format unfolds, fans and analysts are watching closely to see which matchups remain part of the official structure—and which quietly disappear. The focus may be on the title, but placement matters too.
In a competition built on prestige and rankings, even games beyond the final can shape reputations. Whether there’s still room for a third place clash, though, is another story entirely.
Will the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup feature a third place match?
No, the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will not feature a third-place match. This marks a departure from previous editions, where a bronze final was traditionally held between the two semi-final losers.
General view inside the stadium prior to the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 semi-final match between Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid CF at MetLife Stadium on July 09, 2025. (Source: Luke Hales/Getty Images)
FIFA has decided to eliminate this fixture for the inaugural 32-team tournament to allow clubs and players who do not reach the final to return home and focus on their upcoming commitments as soon as possible.
As a result, both Real Madrid and Fluminense, having been eliminated in the semi-finals, will not play any further matches in the competition. The tournament will conclude with the final between Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain on Sunday, July 13, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey.
Has there ever been a third place in the FIFA Club World Cup?
Yes, the Club World Cup has historically featured a third-place match. Since its inception in 2000, most editions included a playoff between the two losing semi-finalists to determine the third-place finisher (the bronze medalist).
This third-place match gave teams a chance to end the tournament on a high note and secure a podium finish. It was a regular fixture in the tournament’s format up until recent changes.
However, starting with the expanded edition, FIFA has decided to eliminate the third-place match to reduce fixture congestion and help teams manage their schedules better. So, while third-place games were once a staple, 2025 marks the first edition without one.
