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The National Teams with the Most Third-Place Finishes in FIFA World Cup History
France and England will meet in the third-place match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a game that has long been part of the tournament's tradition. Here's a look at the nations with the most third-place finishes in World Cup history.
The third-place match is part of World Cup history
While the FIFA World Cup Final captures most of the spotlight, the third-place match has also become an important part of the tournament's legacy.
With the exception of the 1950 World Cup, FIFA has staged a match to determine third place in every edition since 1934. In 2026, France and England will battle for one final spot on the podium.
For several nations, finishing third has become a recurring achievement throughout World Cup history.
Germany tops the all-time list
No country has finished third at the FIFA World Cup more often than Germany.
Die Mannschaft claimed third place in four different tournaments—1934, 1970, 2006 and 2010—making it the most successful nation in this category.
A second group of countries has earned third place twice, highlighting their consistency on football's biggest stage.
Most third-place finishes in FIFA World Cup history
| National Team | Third-Place Finishes |
| Germany | 4 |
| Brazil | 2 |
| France | 2 |
| Sweden | 2 |
| Croatia | 2 |
| Austria | 1 |
| Chile | 1 |
| Portugal | 1 |
| Poland | 1 |
| Italy | 1 |
| Türkiye | 1 |
| Netherlands | 1 |
| Belgium | 1 |
| United States | 1* |
*The United States is officially recognized as the third-place team at the inaugural 1930 FIFA World Cup, although no third-place match was played in that tournament.
France can move into second place alone
If France defeats England in the 2026 FIFA World Cup third-place match, Les Bleus will secure their third bronze medal and move into sole possession of second place on the all-time list.
France previously finished third in Sweden 1958 and Mexico 1986.
Another podium finish would further strengthen one of the nation's greatest eras, following its 2018 World Cup title and runner-up finish in Qatar 2022.
England is chasing its first-ever third-place finish
England also has history on the line.
Despite winning the World Cup in 1966, the Three Lions have never finished third. Their closest attempts ended with fourth-place finishes in Italy 1990 and Russia 2018.
A victory over France would earn England its first-ever third-place finish at a FIFA World Cup.
More than just a consolation match
Although many fans view the third-place playoff as little more than a consolation game, history suggests otherwise.
Finishing among the top three teams in the world remains a significant achievement and a permanent place in World Cup history.
France will try to add another podium finish to its already impressive résumé, while England has the opportunity to create a new milestone by claiming the first third-place finish in its World Cup history.
