Explained: Why Real Madrid Will Not Play Fluminense in a Third-Place Play-Off at Club World Cup

No Bronze Showdown Between Real Madrid and Fluminense After FIFA Decision

In an unusual twist for a FIFA Club World Cup tournament, two of the biggest names in world football—Real Madrid and Fluminense—will not face each other in a third-place play-off. While fans in the U.S. were anticipating a heavyweight clash to decide who would round out the podium, both teams have been released from the competition early, leaving the bronze medal spot unclaimed for the first time in tournament history.

So what exactly happened? Why won’t these footballing giants be taking the field one last time? Let’s break it down.

What Happened: Dreams Dashed in the Semi-Finals

Coming into the newly expanded Club World Cup in the United States, Real Madrid and Fluminense were both tipped as possible finalists. On paper, they looked strong, experienced, and well-equipped for tournament football.

But the semifinals proved a bridge too far.

Real Madrid were blown away 4-0 by a ruthless Paris Saint-Germain side led by none other than Kylian Mbappé. It was a surprisingly one-sided affair, with Los Blancos struggling to match the intensity and precision of the Ligue 1 champions.

Fluminense, meanwhile, were undone by Premier League juggernaut Chelsea, who comfortably saw them off 2-0. The Brazilian outfit, who had reached the final in 2023 only to fall to Manchester City, looked a shadow of their former selves against a well-drilled and motivated Chelsea team.

And so, just like that, the dream of lifting the trophy was gone—for both clubs.

The Bigger Picture: A Tournament Played in the Heat—and the Shadows

Fluminense FC v Chelsea FC: Semi Final – FIFA Club World Cup 2025

The 2025 edition of the Club World Cup has been something of a trial run for the tournament’s future format, with more teams, higher stakes, and, perhaps most controversially, more fixtures in already congested calendars.

Add to that the sweltering conditions in parts of the United States during July, and you’ve got a recipe for fatigue—and FIFA knows it. So, in an uncharacteristic move, they’ve opted not to stage the customary third-place match.

This is not just about convenience—it’s about player welfare. Both Real Madrid and Fluminense have had long seasons. Real, in particular, played a mammoth 68 matches across all competitions in 2024-25. That’s a lot of football for any squad, even one as deep and elite as Madrid’s.

Instead of pushing tired players through another 90 minutes with nothing but pride at stake, FIFA has waved the white flag. No bronze medal match, no farewell match-ups. Both clubs will now return home to prepare for their respective domestic seasons.

Did You Know? A Historic First at Club World Cup

This is the first time in Club World Cup history that a third-place play-off has been scrapped. Normally, the penultimate game acts as a consolation for teams that fall short in the semi-finals and gives fringe players a chance to gain valuable experience on a global stage.

But this year’s edition is breaking from tradition—and it may set a new precedent.

With the expanded format expected to continue and concerns around player burnout growing louder across the sport, don’t be surprised if third-place games quietly disappear from more tournaments in the future.

Real Madrid’s Brutal Exit: Mbappé Makes His Mark

For Real Madrid, the defeat to PSG was more than just a bad day at the office—it was a humbling experience.

Ironically, it was Mbappé, the man who so many expected to one day don the white of Madrid, who played a starring role in their downfall. He tormented the Spanish giants with pace, power, and precision, netting a brace and assisting another in a performance that reminded everyone just why he’s considered one of the world’s best.

Madrid looked leggy, sluggish, and surprisingly passive—uncharacteristic for a team that thrives in high-stakes situations. But after a long season that saw them win La Liga and go deep into the Champions League, perhaps their tank was just empty.

Fluminense Falter After Last Year’s Heroics

Fluminense came into the tournament looking to build on last year’s impressive run, where they reached the final only to lose to a dominant Manchester City. But this time around, they never quite hit their stride.

Against Chelsea, they struggled to find rhythm. Their midfield, usually so composed, looked overrun. Their attack, spearheaded by veteran figures like Germán Cano, couldn’t find a way past a resolute Chelsea backline.

It was a deflating way to bow out, but they’ll now turn their attention to the domestic calendar, with a Brasileirão clash against Cruzeiro looming on July 18.

Why No Third-Place Match? Breaking Down FIFA’s Logic

The official reasoning is simple: player rest. But behind the scenes, it’s also a pragmatic move.

With the final between PSG and Chelsea scheduled for Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, organizing another high-profile fixture that doesn’t impact the trophy presentation simply didn’t carry much appeal.

Ticket sales, television interest, and even player motivation for a third-place play-off were all potentially low. Add in concerns over heat and travel logistics, and the decision to scrap the game begins to look like common sense.

In fact, some insiders suggest both clubs requested the release themselves. After long campaigns and demoralizing defeats, the idea of flying home early may have seemed far more attractive than going through the motions one last time.

What Comes Next for the Clubs?

Mbappe

For Real Madrid, the focus shifts to recovery and pre-season. They kick off their La Liga title defense against Osasuna on August 19. Rest, rotation, and perhaps a few summer reinforcements are all on the menu.

For Fluminense, the domestic season is already underway in Brazil, and they’ll need to shake off the disappointment quickly. They return to action against Cruzeiro in just over a week and still have plenty to play for in the league and Copa Libertadores.

Final Thoughts: A Missed Match, or a Smart Move?

While some fans may feel short-changed by the absence of a third-place play-off—especially those in the U.S. hoping to see Real Madrid in action one more time—there’s something refreshing about seeing common sense win out.

In an era where players are stretched to the limit, where the football calendar seems to expand every year, perhaps this is a small but important shift toward prioritizing player health over spectacle.

Whether this becomes the norm in future tournaments remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: neither Real Madrid nor Fluminense will lose sleep over skipping one more game.

They’ve earned the right to rest—and to look ahead.