Third-Place Teams at the 2026 World Cup: Who Has Already Qualified for the Playoffs and Who Is in Danger of Being Eliminated
At the 2026 World Cup, the battle for a spot in the playoffs as third-place finishers in their groups is still underway. Some teams have already secured a spot in the Round of 16, while others still have a chance—or risk being eliminated—depending on the results of their final matches.
At the 2026 World Cup, not only do the top two teams from each group advance to the playoffs, but so do the eight best third-place teams. That is why every goal—and even goal differential—could prove decisive in the battle for that coveted spot, according to Channel 24.
In some groups, all group-stage matches have already been played—some of the teams that finished third in their groups have earned 4 points and advanced to the playoffs. The national teams of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Sweden, Ecuador, and Paraguay have advanced to the Round of 32. The Bosnians even know their first opponent in the knockout stage—the U.S. team.
South Korea and Scotland have also played three group matches each but have not yet secured their place in the next round. Both teams have 3 points. However, the Scots have a negative goal difference.
Standings of the top third-place teams at the 2026 World Cup (as of the morning of June 26)
Other 2026 World Cup news:
On June 25, the Mexican national team secured its third consecutive victory at the 2026 World Cup, defeating the Czech Republic 3–0 in the final match of the group stage. The team finished the group stage on a high note and continues its run in the tournament.
The Iranian national team left an emotional letter in the locker room after a draw with Belgium at the 2026 World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup, being held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is generating a great deal of interest among fans. The tournament is already setting record attendance figures in the group stage and could become the most popular World Cup in history.
Ghana pulled off a sensational draw against England at the 2026 World Cup.
