how many of the best third place qualify for the knockout stage

June 27, 2026

Eight of the best third-place teams qualify for the knockout stage in the 2026 World Cup format. The top two teams from each group also advance, making 32 teams in the round of 32.

How it works

There are 12 third-place teams in total across the groups.
FIFA ranks them by points first, then goal difference, then goals scored, with further tiebreakers if needed.

The top eight third-place finishers stay in the tournament; the bottom four are eliminated.

Quick scoop

So the answer is: 8 third-place teams make it through.

TL;DR: Eight third-place teams qualify for the knockout stage, alongside the 12 group winners and 12 runners-up.