The World Cup 2026 group stage has concluded, with eight third-placed teams heading through to the knockout stages. For the first time in World Cup history, 48 nations are competing in the tournament, a significant increase from previous years. The group winners and runners-up automatically qualify for the round of 32, while the eight best third-placed finishers also secure a spot.
Scotland, however, have been eliminated from the tournament after finishing Group C with three points and a goal difference of minus three. Their 3-0 defeat by Brazil proved decisive, leaving them with no chance of progressing to the knockout stages. Iran also narrowly missed out, with Austria salvaging a draw against Algeria in an epic finish.
The eight third-placed teams that have secured a place in the knockout stages will be ranked according to points, goal difference, goals scored, team conduct score, and FIFA ranking. The knockout rounds are shaping up to be a highly competitive and exciting phase of the tournament.
The World Cup has been a significant event, with a total of 13 games being hosted in Mexico and Canada, and 78 games in the United States. The quarter-finals onwards will be hosted by the US, culminating in the final at New Jersey's MetLife Stadium.