The World Cup third-place play-offs are the game no one wants to be in.
It’s a match representing what could have been and is a stark reminder to anyone connected to the respective countries how close they are to glory.
We are now in the final week, which means that one of France, Morocco, Argentina or Croatia will be crowned world champions very soon, while two will miss the final altogether.
Will there be a match for third place?
The third place play-off has been a feature of the World Cup for a long time and this year is no different.
There will also be a third-place play-off at the next World Cup, and despite FIFA planning wholesale changes to the tournament, it looks like the third-place play-off is here to stay.
2022 World Cup third-place play-offs: kick-off date and time
The 2022 World Cup third-place match is due to take place on Saturday, December 17, a day before the final.
Kick-off at the Khalifa International Stadium is scheduled for 3pm UK time.
2022 World Cup Third Place Match: TV Channel and Live Stream
This match will be shown live and unscrambled on BBC One, with coverage scheduled for 2.30pm UK time.
The game will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer.
2022 World Cup Third Place Game: How to Listen to the Radio
talkSPORT will have live commentary from Qatar as the two losing semi-finalists battle it out for third place.
Adrian Durham will be your host for the afternoon, while Nigel Adderley and Stuart Pearce will provide commentary.
talkSPORT.com will also have a live blog as the tournament nears its conclusion.
talkSPORT World Cup 2022 coverage
talkSPORT brings you comprehensive coverage of the 2022 World Cup.
We broadcast all 64 matches of the tournament live, with over 600 hours of coverage on our network.
You can tune into talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 via our free online streaming service at talkSPORT.com.
talkSPORT is widely available across the UK via DAB digital radio and on 1089 or 1053 AM.
You can also download the talkSPORT app or ask your smart speaker to play talkSPORT.
Play-offs for third place in the 2022 World Cup: who could compete?
The losers of Argentina against Croatia and France against Morocco will meet in the third place play-off.
This means that all the remaining teams will play two more games, but two of them will be involved in the game that everyone wants to play, and the other two will be in the one that nobody wants to be involved in.
England lost 2-0 to Belgium in the third-place play-off four years ago following goals from Thomas Meunier and Eden Hazard.
Watch the World Cup with talkSPORT
At talkSPORT, we’re powered by fans, so come join us for the ultimate World Cup fan experience this winter – at the talkSPORT fan zone.
In a huge covered room under the arches of Waterloo in London, we will bring you live screenings of every World Cup match.
There will be Q&A with talkSPORT talent, you’ll be part of our live shows and plenty of food and drink will be on offer too.
Come and have the best World Cup fan experience in London – and enjoy a complimentary pint – with tickets for all remaining matches on sale HERE!