2026 FIFA World Cup: Third-Place Teams and Round of 32 Qualification Explained

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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_Originally reported by [CBS Sports](https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/news/fifa-world-cup-third-place-standings-positions-round-of-32/)._