Football fans hoping to see Real Madrid compete for third place at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup will be disappointed. Unlike many other major tournaments, there will be no bronze medal match at this year’s competition.

Both Real Madrid and Fluminense are out of the tournament after losing their semi-final ties. Madrid suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain, while Chelsea beat Fluminense 2-0. PSG and Chelsea will now meet in the final on Sunday to decide the new world champions.

In tournaments like the World Cup or AFCON, it’s common for the two losing semi-finalists to play each other for third place. However, FIFA announced a different approach for this expanded Club World Cup.

In a statement, FIFA explained:

“There will be no third-place match, or bronze final, at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025. For the inaugural edition of this elite global competition, FIFA decided not to include this match to ensure that clubs and players who do not make the final can transition to their next commitments as soon as possible.”

 

This means Real Madrid and Fluminense will head home without one last match — likely a relief for players who are keen to rest or return to pre-season preparations.

As fans shift their focus to the final, all eyes will be on Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea to see who lifts the trophy in this historic edition of the Club World Cup.