Bronze Match

The two teams that lose in the semifinals still have one more game to play: the third-place playoff, often called the Bronze Match. It’s not the Final, but it still matters, for players chasing personal glory, for nations looking to make history, and for fans who want one last chance to see their team shine.

Some nations treat it as a celebration of how far they’ve come, while others see it as a bittersweet reminder of what slipped away..