Why Real Madrid won’t play in third-place play-off match at the Club World Cup after defeat to PSG

The reason why Real Madrid won’t compete in a Club World Cup third-place play-off match has been revealed.

Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in Sunday’s Club World Cup final with a commanding 4-0 win over Real at the MetLife Stadium.

The reigning Champions League holders cruised to victory in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Wednesday, with goals from Fabian Ruiz (who netted twice), Ousmane Dembele, and Goncalo Ramos.

The French side will now face Chelsea, managed by Enzo Maresca, in the final. The Blues earned their spot after new signing Joao Pedro scored both goals in a 2-0 triumph over Brazilian outfit Fluminense on Tuesday.

As is common in many major tournaments such as the World Cup, the teams defeated in the semi-finals will compete in a third-place play-off.

However, that won’t be the case at this year’s Club World Cup, and the reason has now been clarified.

Real’s loss to PSG marks the end of their tournament journey, as FIFA has opted not to stage a third-place play-off. The decision was made to allow clubs to resume their regular schedules ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In an official statement published on FIFA’s website, the organization explained: “There will be no third-place match, or bronze final, at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

“For the inaugural edition of this top-tier global tournament, FIFA chose to omit the match to ensure that clubs and players not reaching the final can return to their upcoming commitments without delay.”

As a result, Xabi Alonso’s squad will head back to Spain to start preparations for the upcoming season, which kicks off next month.

The La Liga side has yet to announce any pre-season friendlies or overseas tours, with their 2025/26 campaign set to open against Osasuna.

Meanwhile, PSG will remain in the United States for the Club World Cup final before returning to France.

Luis Enrique’s team will begin their Ligue 1 title defense against Nantes. However, just days prior, they’ll face last season’s Europa League champions, Tottenham—who secured a 1-0 victory over Manchester United in the final—in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Like Real Madrid, PSG have not disclosed their full pre-season schedule.