Eight third-place teams advance in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, joining the 24 teams that finish first or second in their groups to make the Round of 32.

How it works

There are 12 groups total, so there are 12 third-place teams to compare across the tournament.

The top 8 of those 12 third-place teams move on, while the other 4 are eliminated.

Tiebreakers

If third-place teams are tied, FIFA ranks them by points first, then goal difference, then goals scored, with fair play and other criteria used if needed.

Quick answer

8 third-place teams advance.