The eight best third-place teams advance to the knockout stage in the 2026 World Cup format. That means 24 teams from first and second place, plus 8 third-place teams, make the Round of 32.

How it works

  • Each of the 12 groups sends its top two teams straight through, for 24 total spots.
  • The best eight third-place teams also qualify, filling out the 32-team knockout bracket.
  • The remaining four third-place teams are eliminated.

Quick example

If a team finishes third in its group, it is not automatically out anymore. In this format, it can still advance if its record is strong enough compared with the other third-place teams.

TL;DR

Eight third-place countries advance to the knockout stage.