As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax with 100 matches completed, only four remain. The tournament is set for thrilling semi-final clashes, featuring France against Spain and a fierce rivalry renewed as England takes on Argentina.
Fans of these teams, including stars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, and Harry Kane, can look forward to more action, regardless of the outcomes.
What Happens to the Losing Semi-Finalists?
Even if they face disappointment in the semi-finals, the two teams that do not advance will remain in the United States until Saturday, July 18. They will compete in a third-place playoff to determine who takes home the bronze medal. This match is scheduled for 5:00 PM local time (2:30 AM IST) at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Meanwhile, the victorious teams will meet in the final on Sunday, July 19, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, kicking off at 3:00 PM local time (12:30 AM IST). The final will feature an extravagant halftime show lasting 30 minutes, headlined by Shakira.
FIFA World Cup Third Place Playoff
While third-place playoffs are a staple in multi-sport events like the Olympics, they are less common in individual sports. However, FIFA has included this match since the tournament’s inception in 1934, with the only exceptions being the inaugural edition in 1930 and the 1950 tournament, which used a group stage format. Notably, France is the only current semi-finalist to have won a third-place playoff, achieving this in 1958 and 1986. England has participated twice but lost both times (1990, 2018), while Spain and Argentina have yet to compete for the bronze medal.