Why there will be no Club World Cup third-place match between Real Madrid and Fluminense

Real Madrid reached the end of the road at the Club World Cup tonight after an embarrassing 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

The defeat is simultaneously the end of the road for Los Blancos, as it is their ticket back home, as unlike the World Cup between national teams, there would be no third-place match. 

When the fixture list for the competition was released, the absence of a third-place match in the competition’s calendar was conspicuous. 

Recently, FIFA explained the reason behind the decision on their website: stating that they wanted teams to continue other preseason plans as quickly as possible. 

“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.”

“That means just three more mouthwatering and high-stakes matches remain at the US-staged showpiece to determine whether Chelsea FC, Fluminense FC, Paris Saint-Germain or Real Madrid C.F. emerge as world champions.”

Chelsea beat Fluminense, as PSG triumphed over Real Madrid, setting up a final between the 2021 and 2025 UCL winners. The tie will be held at the MetLife Stadium on Sunday, 13 July.