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.
PosTeamGPWDLGFGAGDPTS1Sweden210166032Scotland210111033Croatia210134-134Paraguay210124-235Algeria212124-236Cabo Verde202022027Begium201011028Czechia201123-119DR Congo201112-1110Ecuador201101-1111Bosnia-Herzegovina201125-3112Senegal200236-30 Add CBS Sports on Google Join the Conversation comments
