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Published 15:18 8 Jun 2026 BST
Updated 15:18 8 Jun 2026 BST
While the World Cup is usually remembered for its champions, many teams have still written their own proud chapters by winning the third-place play-off, and reserving some remaining honour for their country.
Sometimes referred to as an "award for the first loser," the third place play-off is played out every tournament between the two losing semi-finalists, so is always the second-to-last match of each World Cup.
Although the third-place play-off may feel like an embarrassment for traditional powerhouses with title expectations, it is viewed very differently by teams that have defied the odds to simply reach the semi-finals, for whom a bronze medal represents a major achievement.
It is for that exact reason that in the below quiz, you'll discover a host of so-called smaller nations as play-off winners, who overcame genuine footballing giants, for the simple reason that they had more to play for.
In the quiz, you'll have five minutes to name the winners of all twenty 3rd place play-offs so far.
Best of luck...

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