The $2 million prize at stake in World Cup 3rd-place game between France and England
The $2 million prize at stake in World Cup 3rd-place game between France and England originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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There are a handful of reasons that the FIFA World Cup still has a third-place game.
But the logical thing for fans to ask is this: Does it matter? England and France play for third on Saturday in Miami after both losing in the semifinal round.
For two immense footballing nations, it’s not the stage they wanted to be on.
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Does the World Cup 3rd-place game matter?
Depends on who you ask.
The Golden Boot can still be won in this game, with Kylian Mbappe trying to top Lionel Messi, who plays for Argentina in Sunday’s final.
The winners of the game do get a bronze medal, kind of like the Olympics.
Victory also leaves a better taste in a team’s mouth, particularly in a rivalry clash like England-France.
There’s also the matter of a bit of money on the line.
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Prize money difference between 3rd place, 4th place at World Cup
There’s a $2 million difference in finishing third versus fourth at the World Cup.
The Athletic reports that the third-place finisher gets $29 million.
The fourth-place finisher gets $27 million.
It’s tough to make the case for these two countries that the $2 million difference is a big deal.
The players on the pitch, beyond Mbappe and maybe Harry Kane going for goals, will be playing for pride and for memories.
