The 2026 men’s World Cup format is brand new, and it takes some figuring out when it comes to which teams will make the knockout rounds.
MORE — World Cup group stage table, full standings
As always, the top two teams from each group will reach the Round of 32, but this new format means that the eight best third-place teams will also join them in the last 32.
But how that is figured out is explained below, with everything you need to know.
World Cup third-place latest standings
1. DR Congo - 4 points (+1 GD) - QUALIFIED
2. Sweden - 4 points (0 GD) - QUALIFIED
3. Ecuador - 4 points (0 GD) - QUALIFIED
4. Ghana - 4 points (0 GD) - QUALIFIED
5. Bosnia and Herzegovina - 4 points (-1 GD) - QUALIFIED
6. Algeria - 4 points (-2 GD) - QUALIFIED
7. Paraguay - 4 points (-2 GD) - QUALIFIED
8. Senegal - 3 points (+2 GD) - QUALIFIED
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9. Iran - 3 points (0 GD) - ELIMINATED
10. South Korea - 3 points (-1 GD) - ELIMINATED
11. Scotland - 3 points (-3 GD) - ELIMINATED
12. Uruguay - 2 points (-1 GD) - ELIMINATED
World Cup third-place tiebreakers, rules
1) Points
2) Goal difference
3) Goals scored
4) Fair play fair score
5) Latest FIFA ranking from June 11, 2026
6) Previous FIFA ranking
How to Watch the World Cup with Xfinity
If you’re looking for a simple way to watch the World Cup in English on Fox and in Spanish on Telemundo, Xfinity makes it easy to follow the World Cup and stay connected to global soccer year‑round. With the World Soccer Ticket, fans get access to top leagues, live TV, and streaming — all in one place — so you never miss the action.
Introducing World Soccer Ticket - For $85/mo, get over 1,500 soccer matches, plus:
- All the top leagues, from the Premier League to La Liga
- Xfinity TV, with an X1 box, on us
- The Xfinity Stream app, for on-the-go viewing
- Peacock Premium, at no extra cost (currently $10.99/mo. value)
World Soccer Ticket: No term contract. Restrictions apply. Not available in all areas. One X1 box included; if service changes, regular rates apply. Taxes extra. Pricing and programming subject to change. Not eligible for multi-product discounts.
