Fifa's third-place play-off, now branded the Bronze Final, has remained on the World Cup schedule for 72 years. This weekend, England and France are due to play it, bringing fresh attention to a fixture that regularly divides opinion.
For critics, the match can feel like an unwanted tie. Teams reach it after losing in the semi-finals, which means the main prize is already out of reach and the emotional challenge of playing again can be hard to ignore.
Supporters, however, see more value in it. The game still decides who finishes third, gives one side a chance to end its tournament with a win and adds another layer of meaning to the final standings beyond the championship match.
That tension helps explain why the Bronze Final continues to spark debate while still surviving as part of the World Cup format. To some, it is a consolation fixture; to others, it remains a worthwhile contest with its own place in the tournament.
