Why Real Madrid won't play in third-place play-off match at the Club World Cup after defeat to PSG

The reason why Real Madrid won't compete in a Club World Cup third-place play-off match has been revealed.

Paris Saint-Germain booked their spot in Sunday's Club World Cup final following their dominant victory over Real at the MetLife Stadium.

Last season's Champions League winners ran out 4-0 winners in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Wednesday.

Goals from Fabian Ruiz (x2), Ousmane Dembele and Goncalo Ramos ensured PSG's passage to the next round.

The French giants will face Enzo Maresca's Chelsea after they advanced to the final after new signing Joao Pedro scored a brace against Brazilian side Fluminense in a 2-0 victory on Tuesday.

In many other major tournaments, including the World Cup, the losers of each semi-final will face each other in a third-place play-off match.

Ousmane Dembele wheels away in celebration after scoring against Real Madrid. Image: Getty

However, this will not be the case at the Club World Cup, and the reason why has been explained.

Real's defeat to PSG spells the end of their Club World Cup campaign after FIFA decided against holding a third-place fixture in order to allow participating clubs to return to their normal commitments ahead of the 2025/26 season.

In a statement posted on the official FIFA website, the organisation confirmed: "There will be no third-place match, or bronze final, at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.

"For the inaugural edition of this elite global competition, FIFA decided not to include this match to ensure that clubs and players who do not make the final can transition to their next commitments as soon as possible."

Real Madrid's Club World Cup campaign has come to an end following their defeat to Paris Saint-Germain. Image: Getty

This means Xabi Alonso's team will return to Spain to begin preparations for the new season, which will get underway next month.

The La Liga outfit have not confirmed any friendly games or pre-season tours as they open their 2025/26 campaign against Osasuna.

As for PSG, they will participate in the competition's final fixture before returning to France.

Luis Enrique's side begin the defence of their Ligue 1 title against Nantes.

But days before their league fixture, they take on last season's Europa League winners Tottenham, who beat Manchester United 1-0 in the final, in the UEFA Super Cup on August 13.

Like Real, PSG have not revealed their pre-season plans.