The bronze medal match at the Qatar 2022 World Cup is set to take place on Saturday, December 17, between the two nations that fell in the semi finals.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar draws to a close with the semi finals deciding which team reaches the final to contest the title. Alongside the pursuit of the championship, FIFA also schedules a separate match to determine who finishes third and fourth in the tournament standings.
Qatar 2022 World Cup third and fourth place match: when, where, date, time, stadium, and participating teams
After earning their places in the semi finals, the four remaining teams had each already played seven matches in the tournament. The two teams that lost in the semi finals will not play in the final on Sunday, December 18; instead they will meet on Saturday, December 17 for the third place contest at the Khalifa International Stadium.
The third place game is traditionally a consolation match featuring the losers from the semi finals. In this edition, Croatia is set to face Morocco after their defeats by Argentina and France, respectively.
Historically this match dates back to the early editions of the World Cup, including the 1934 tournament in Italy, when it first appeared on the schedule. Over time the game has grown less favored by some teams, who sometimes view it as an extra challenge rather than a meaningful prize.
The official rationale for maintaining the match centers on its value for FIFA rankings and seeding in future competitions. National teams pay close attention to the effects on rankings, while broadcasters and audiences often weigh the television appeal of the matchup.
In past World Cups, the third place contest has drawn significant viewership. For instance, the 2010 World Cup in South Africa produced one of the tournament’s most-watched games outside the final, illustrating how this match can capture global attention and contribute to overall viewership metrics.
These figures underscore why FIFA continues to stage the match, balancing competitive outcomes with the sport’s broadcast and ranking implications. The third place game remains a distinct moment in the World Cup calendar, offering teams a final opportunity to cap their campaign with a positive performance and a potential boost in the final standings.
As fans in Canada and the United States follow the action, the match promises a competitive showdown featuring two teams seeking pride and a chance to end the tournament on a high note. The Khalifa International Stadium in Doha provides a familiar stage for this closing act, with kickoff timing aligned to maximize regional and global audiences.
Commentary, analysis, and postmatch evaluations typically emphasize strategic adjustments, player form, and the psychological impact of finishing third in a world championship. Markets across North America expect strong engagement, reflecting the enduring popularity of football and the growth of the sport in these regions.