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WORLD CUP 2022

Is there a third and fourth place match at the 2022 World Cup? Why is it important?

What happens to the two teams that lose in the World Cup semi-finals?

The "Al Hilm" ball, the official match ball which will be used in the Qatar 2022 World Cup football semi-finals and final, is displayed during a press conference in Doha on December 13, 2022. (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP)
FRANCK FIFEAFP

The 2022 World Cup is winding down with just four games remaining in the competition. Two semi-finals, the 18 December final and the day before, a game that few players want to play in but one that is important for the bottom line of the participating federations.

The two losing semi-finalists will go head-to-head to see who comes third and who comes fourth, as the name suggests.

Morocco stunned the world - and made Ronaldo cry - when they became the first African team to make it to the World Cup semi-finals.
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Morocco stunned the world - and made Ronaldo cry - when they became the first African team to make it to the World Cup semi-finals.CARL RECINEREUTERS

Why is the third place playoff match important?

Basically, money. The team that finishes in third place receives $27 million while fourth place receives $25 million in prize money. One may feel that it should be enough money for them to get over losing in the semi-finals.

The winning side receives $42 million and losing the final gets you $30 million. In total, the World Cup prize money reaches a staggering $440 million, which is no small fee!

The total has increased $40 million since the last tournament and at the 2014 World Cup, a mere $358 million dollars was handed out.

World Cup prize money

World Cup FinishPrize money ($)
Group Stage9 million
Round of 1613 million
Quarter Final17 million
Fourth place25 million
Third place27 million
Second place30 million
Winner42 million