Real Madrid and Fluminense will not participate in a third-place playoff at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, as the tournament format excludes a bronze medal match.

Following their respective semi-final defeats — Real Madrid losing 4-0 to Paris Saint-Germain and Fluminense falling 2-0 to Chelsea — both teams will exit the competition without the chance to compete for third place.

While other international tournaments typically feature a third-place match between the losing semi-finalists, FIFA has opted out of this tradition for the current edition of the Club World Cup.

In an official statement, FIFA explained the rationale behind the decision:

“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 approach reflects FIFA’s consideration for player fatigue, congested schedules, and the logistical demands on clubs that are already navigating intense domestic and international commitments.

With no third-place match, both Real Madrid and Fluminense will leave the United States ahead of the weekend, while Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea will face off in the final on Sunday at the MetLife Stadium.