WE are down to the final round of fixtures in the World Cup group stage.
The expanded 48-team tournament means nations that finish third can still progress to the knockout stages.
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Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockouts are hanging by a thread Credit: Reuters
The World Cup group stage is heading for a thrilling climax Credit: Getty
The eight best-ranked third-place sides and the top two from each group will meet in a Round of 32.
Scotland‘s hopes of reaching the knockouts of the World Cup for the first time took a major hit as they lost 3-0 to Brazil in their final group stage game.
The Tartan Army’s loss meant they finished third in Group C and will be reliant on progressing as one of the best eight third-placed sides.
Scotland’s heavy defeat to Brazil means they are clinging on to their spot in the top eight with a menacing -3 goal difference.
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And Ecuador’s shock victory over Germany has pushed the Scots down into the eighth and final 3rd place qualifying spot
Big European nations like Belgium may also be reliant on the third-place progression route after disappointing starts to the group stage.
JattvibeSport brings you the latest standings in the third-place table below.
Third place ranking table LIVE
Here’s the latest standings for all current third-placed sides:
World Cup 2026 fixtures
World Cup results
How are the eight best third-place teams determined?
The sides that finish third in their groups will be ranked by the following criteria in order:
Points
Goal difference
Goals scored
Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches
Fifa World Ranking
World Cup 2026 – all the info
LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!
This year’s World Cup is like no other as a record-breaking 48 nations compete to lift football’s biggest prize.
England manager Thomas Tuchel is hoping to finally bring football home after a 60-year drought.
But footballing legends Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo have other plans in what will likely be their final World Cup appearance.
JattvibeSport have got everything you need for the huge tournament
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When do the knockout rounds start?
The round of 32 will begin with the runners-up in Group A taking on the runners-up in Group B on Jattvibeday, June 28.
Here are all the key dates you need for the knockout stages:
Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
Round of 16: July 4-7
Quarter-finals: July 9-11
Semi-finals: July 14-15
Third-place play-off: July 18
Final: July 19
