Why Real Madrid Will Not Play a Third-Place Match at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025?
Real Madrid’s 2025 FIFA Club World Cup™ campaign came to a crushing end after a 0-4 semifinal defeat to Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 10. While fans expressed disappointment at the result, many also wondered why the Spanish giants will not compete for third place a fixture commonly seen in major tournaments.
FIFA has officially confirmed that the 2025 edition of the Club World Cup will not include a third-place playoff. In a statement, the organization explained, “There will be no third-place match or bronze medal game at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025™. This decision is intended to allow clubs and players to return and prepare for their upcoming obligations as early as possible.”
As a result, Real Madrid will now return to Spain to prepare for the 2025/26 season, which kicks off next month with an opener against Osasuna. The club has yet to announce any pre-season friendlies or tour dates, giving manager Xabi Alonso valuable time to reassess and rebuild following the heavy defeat to PSG.
On the other side, PSG will face Chelsea in the final after the English club secured a 2-0 win over Fluminense, thanks to a brace from new signing Joao Pedro. After the final, Luis Enrique’s side will go on to play Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup, followed by their Ligue 1 opener against Nantes.
While Real Madrid’s summer now begins on a bitter note, the absence of a third-place fixture serves as a rare reprieve, giving the squad time to recover and regroup ahead of a demanding season.
