The 2026 FIFA World Cup is entering its decisive moments of the group stage with teams battling for a place in the knockout rounds. Under the tournament’s expanded 48-team format, qualification for knockout rounds is no longer reserved just for the group winners and runners-up. Also, the eight best third-placed teams across the 12 groups will take part, completing the 32-team knockout bracket for the round of 32. Here’s what you need to know ahead of the final stint of the first phase:
Third-Place qualification explained
The 12 teams that finish third in their groups will be ranked in a separate table, with the top eight advancing to the Round of 32. Here’s how they will be ranked:
- Greatest number of points obtained in all group matches
- Great goal difference resulting from all group matches
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches
- Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches
- The two or more teams still equal on points shall be ranked according to the most recent published edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking
Current standings: Eight best third-placed teams
As of Wednesday, June 24, 9 a.m. ET.
| Pos | Team | GP | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sweden | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 3 |
| 2 | Scotland | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Croatia | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Paraguay | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 5 | Algeria | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 4 | -2 | 3 |
| 6 | Cabo Verde | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| 7 | Begium | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| 8 | Czechia | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -1 | 1 |
| 9 | DR Congo | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | -1 | 1 |
| 10 | Ecuador | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | -1 | 1 |
| 11 | Bosnia-Herzegovina | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | -3 | 1 |
| 12 | Senegal | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 | -3 | 0 |
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