Euro 2024 Third Place Game: Why Isn’t There One?

The Euro 2024 tournament in Germany is nearing its exciting conclusion, with the final match approaching rapidly. While the semi-finals have determined the two teams vying for the championship, there’s a notable absence: a third-place play-off game. Unlike some other major international football tournaments, such as the World Cup and Copa America, Euro 2024 will not feature a match to decide the third-place finisher.

The decision to eliminate the third-place play-off from the European Championships dates back to 1980. Following the 1980 tournament, where Czechoslovakia defeated host nation Italy in a penalty shootout after a drawn-out match, UEFA, the governing body of European football, decided to discontinue the game. The primary reason for this decision was the perceived lack of interest in the third-place match, reflected in both low stadium attendance and underwhelming television viewership figures.

Historically, bronze medals were awarded to the team that finished in third place until the elimination of the play-off game in 1980. In a brief resurgence, UEFA awarded bronze medals to the losing semi-finalists in both 2008 (Turkey and Russia) and 2012 (Germany and Portugal). However, from Euro 2016 onwards, the practice of awarding bronze medals was discontinued altogether.

In contrast to the European Championship, other major tournaments like the Copa America still hold a third-place play-off. This match provides an opportunity for teams to end their tournament on a high note and secure a third-place finish.

While the Euro 2024 final will undoubtedly be a captivating event, the absence of a third-place game highlights a key difference in tournament format compared to other global football competitions. The decision by UEFA to forgo this match reflects a historical perspective on its significance and appeal within the European Championship context. The focus remains solely on the two finalists battling for the coveted championship trophy.