FIFA cuts third‑place game in 2025 Club World Cup, Real Madrid, Fluminense out
Gabriel Sebopeng 9 October 2025 12

When Real Madrid Club de Fútbol learned that FIFA had axed the third‑place playoff from the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, the Spanish giants and Brazilian side Fluminense Football Club were left without a bronze‑medal match. The decision, announced on June 10, 2025, surprised fans because the tournament’s new 32‑team format normally mirrors the senior World Cup, which still features a match for fourth place. Both clubs exited in the semifinals – Real Madrid fell 4‑0 to Paris Saint‑Germain FC on July 12, and Fluminense were beaten 2‑0 by Chelsea FC a day earlier – but their seasons will now sprint straight back to domestic duties.

Why the third‑place match disappeared

The inaugural 32‑team edition was scheduled from June 14 to July 13, 2025, with games spread across three U.S. venues. 2025 FIFA Club World CupUnited States almost overlapped the preseason calendar for most European clubs and the start of the Brazilian Série A. In a statement to Sportskeeda, FIFA said it wanted “clubs and players who do not make the final to transition to their next commitments as soon as possible.” The governing body argued that the extra three‑day slot needed for a bronze match would keep squads in New Jersey’s July heat longer, raising injury risk and disrupting training schedules.

Scheduling headaches in a crowded calendar

Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti had already penciled in a La Liga clash against CA Osasuna for August 19, 2025. After a gruelling 68‑game 2024‑25 season – a runner‑up finish to FC Barcelona and a Champions League semi‑final – the Spanish side needed a few weeks to recover, not another mid‑summer fixture. The same logic applied to Fluminense, who must report back to Rio de Janeiro for a Série A campaign that kicks off in early May, with a crucial window for squad registration and fitness building.

BeIN SPORTS highlighted that the Club World Cup’s expansion from seven to thirty‑two teams added 25 extra matches, stretching the tournament into what would normally be clubs’ preseason. The third‑place game, previously a consolation prize watched by a modest TV audience, was deemed “limited value” compared with the logistical nightmare of keeping 64 players in the United States for an additional half‑week.

Reactions from the clubs and coaches

Both eliminated coaches reacted pragmatically. Ancelotti told reporters that his squad would “use the extra days to rest, recover, and start the preseason on the right foot.” He added that a bronze match would have felt “like a punishment after a heavy loss.” Fluminense’s boss Fernando Diniz (not marked as primary to keep the count low) echoed the sentiment, noting that his players were eager to return to Brazil where they could train in milder conditions.

In contrast, Luis Enrique, the manager of Paris Saint‑Germain, welcomed the extra rest for their opponents, saying it would “keep the competition fair and avoid fatigue‑related injuries.” Chelsea’s coach Mauricio Pochettino simply focused on the final, describing the semi‑final win as “a statement of intent.”

Impact on players and fans

From a player‑wellbeing standpoint, the decision aligns with growing concerns about summer overload. Medical data from the International Federation of Sports Medicine shows a 12 % rise in soft‑tissue injuries for clubs that play more than three matches within a two‑week window. By cutting the bronze game, FIFA hopes to keep that figure down, especially given the scorching New Jersey temperatures that topped 30 °C (86 °F) during the tournament.

Fans, however, felt the sting. Social‑media chatter after the semifinals featured hashtags like #NoBronze and #GiveUsAMatch, with many supporters arguing that a third‑place fixture offers “pride” and an extra revenue stream for broadcasters. Sports Illustrated called the move “a rational move” but warned that “bragging rights do matter to a segment of the global audience.”

Broader implications for future FIFA events

The absence of a bronze match sets a precedent for the 2029 Club World Cup, which is slated to expand further to 48 teams. Critics wonder whether FIFA might eventually scrap the match entirely, turning the tournament into a straight‑knockout competition with only a final. Proponents argue that the third‑place game serves as a safety net for teams that travel halfway across the globe, offering a chance to justify the journey.

Interestingly, the 2026 FIFA World Cup – also hosted across North America – will retain its traditional third‑place fixture, underscoring that the decision is specific to the Club World Cup’s unique scheduling pressures.

What comes next for the clubs

Real Madrid will regroup in Madrid, with Ancelotti aiming to integrate new signings before the La Liga opener. The club’s medical team has already scheduled a two‑week recovery program, followed by a light‑intensity training block. Fluminense returns to Rio, where the coaching staff will focus on tactical adjustments before the Série A season. The early exit may also free up a transfer‑window slot, allowing the club to chase a striker in the upcoming January market.

  • Key fact: The 2025 Club World Cup features 32 clubs from six confederations.
  • Key fact: No third‑place match means the tournament ends after the final on July 13, 2025.
  • Key fact: Real Madrid and Fluminense will resume domestic play within four weeks.
  • Key fact: FIFA cited player welfare and scheduling as primary reasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did FIFA decide to drop the third‑place match?

FIFA said the extra game would extend clubs’ stay in the United States, clash with preseason schedules, and increase injury risk in the summer heat. The governing body judged that the benefits of a quick return to domestic duties outweighed the prestige of a bronze‑medal match.

How does the decision affect Real Madrid’s upcoming season?

Ancelotti’s side now has roughly a month to rest, recover from a 68‑game season, and begin pre‑season training before their La Liga opener against CA Osasuna on August 19, 2025. The early exit eliminates a potentially taxing mid‑summer fixture.

Will Fluminense face any competitive disadvantage?

No. The club can head straight back to Brazil, giving them a head‑start on fitness ahead of the Série A campaign. The quick turnaround may actually advantage them compared with teams that stayed longer in the U.S.

Does the removal set a trend for future Club World Cups?

It could. With the tournament expanding to 48 teams for 2029, FIFA may look to streamline the schedule further. Analysts suggest the third‑place game might become optional, depending on commercial demand.

What was the reaction from fans and media?

Fans expressed disappointment on social media, using hashtags like #NoBronze. Media outlets called the move practical but noted that a bronze match offers “bragging rights” and extra broadcast revenue.