FIFA Club World Cup: Why Real Madrid Will Not Face Fluminense In Third Place Match

Football fans around the world hoping to see a star-studded clash between Real Madrid and Fluminense will be disappointed. This year’s FIFA Club World Cup, currently taking place in the United States, will not feature a third place match. The decision, made by FIFA as part of the tournament’s new 32-team format, marks a major break from tradition.

Real Madrid, after a stunning 4-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, and Fluminense, who fell 2-0 to Chelsea, have both been knocked out in the semifinals. In previous years, these two sides would have met one more time to compete for third place. But this time, they are heading home early, with no chance to end the tournament on a high.

FIFA says the change was made with player welfare in mind. With long seasons, looming domestic league campaigns, and the summer transfer window in full swing, the organization believes it is best to allow teams to return to their regular schedules without the added pressure of a consolation game. The goal, they say, is to reduce fatigue and focus on quality over quantity.

Not everyone is pleased. Many fans were eager to see Real Madrid face Fluminense, a match that would have delivered not just entertainment but a final moment of pride for both clubs. Social media has been buzzing with reactions, with some calling the decision understandable and others saying it takes away from the full experience of a world tournament.

With the third place match scrapped, all eyes now turn to Sunday’s final between Chelsea and PSG. It is the last fixture of this new-look Club World Cup and promises to be a high-stakes showdown. For Real Madrid and Fluminense, the journey ends here, not with one last match, but with the memories of what might have been.