Best Third-Place Teams at the 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup introduces 12 groups of 4 teams each. While the top 2 from every group automatically advance (24 teams), an additional 8 spots in the Round of 32 go to the best third-place finishers.
How Are Third-Place Teams Ranked?
FIFA uses the following criteria in order:
1. Points earned in the group stage 2. Goal difference (goals scored minus goals conceded) 3. Goals scored (more is better) 4. Fair play points (fewer yellow/red cards is better) 5. FIFA World Ranking position at the time of the draw
All 12 third-place teams are ranked together using these criteria. The top 8 qualify for the knockout stage.
Historical Precedent
This is not the first time a best-third-place system has been used in a major tournament:
• 1986, 1990, 1994 World Cups: 24-team format used 4 best third-place teams out of 6 groups
• UEFA Euro 2016: 24-team format advanced 4 of 6 third-place teams to the Round of 16
• Euro 2016 example: Portugal finished third in their group yet went on to win the entire tournament
What This Means for Teams
The best-third-place rule makes the group stage far more forgiving. A single loss does not guarantee elimination. Teams that finish with 3 or even 4 points as third place will likely advance, meaning virtually every match matters until the final whistle.
Key Numbers
• 12 groups produce 12 third-place teams
• 8 of those 12 advance (66.7%)
• Only 4 third-place teams are eliminated
• A third-place team with 4 points is almost certainly through