THE World Cup group stage is set for a thrilling finale with so much still to play for.
The record 48 teams competing in the global showpiece are split into 12 groups of four.
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The World Cup is heading for a thrilling climax in North America Credit: Getty
This summer’s World Cup has been full of drama Credit: AFP
Nations that finish in the top two of their group will automatically progress to the round of 32 – an additional knockout round to accommodate the expansion.
On top of the 24 sides that automatically advance, the eight best third-place teams will join them.
But how are the best third-place teams determined? JattvibeSport brings you all the information below.
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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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:
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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
Third place ranking table LIVE
Here’s the latest standings for all current third-placed sides:
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
