The expanded 48-team format at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has created a new path to the knockout stage. Advancing is no longer reserved for the top two teams in each group, as the eight best third-place finishers also earn a place in the Round of 32.

With the final round of group-stage matches underway, the race for those remaining knockout spots is tighter than ever, with several nations relying on results from other groups.

How Many Third-Place Teams Advance to the Round of 32?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup features 12 groups of four teams.

The top two teams from each group qualify automatically, securing 24 places in the Round of 32.

They are joined by the eight best third-place teams, completing the 32-team knockout bracket, while the remaining four third-place finishers are eliminated.

Current Best Third-Place Teams

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How Are Third-Place Teams Ranked?

Since the teams come from different groups and never play each other, head-to-head results cannot be used.

If two or more third-place teams finish level on points, FIFA applies the following tiebreakers:

1. Goal difference.
2. Most goals scored.
3. Fair play ranking.
4. FIFA Ranking.

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