Here Are 8 Best Third-Placed Teams to Reach Round of 32

FIFA has expanded the World Cup to 48 teams from this edition and, as in previous tournaments, the top two teams from each of the 12 groups will automatically qualify for the Round of 32. Additionally, the eight best third-placed teams in all groups advance to complete the qualifying group.

Following the completion of the group stage on Sunday, the final list of the eight best third-placed teams advancing to the Round of 32 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been confirmed.

Democratic Republic of the Congo took third place with four points and +1 goal difference after finishing Group K in third place. Sweden (Group F), Ghana (Group L), Ecuador (Group E), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B), Algeria (Group J) and Paraguay (Group D) also progressed with four points each in the group stage.

Algeria booked their place in the round of 32 after a thrilling 3-3 draw with Austria in their final Group J game on Sunday, scoring two stoppage-time goals.

Senegal clinched the final qualifying place despite only receiving three points. The African side progressed to the knockout round thanks to a superior goal difference over the remaining third-placed teams.

Third Placed Teams Qualified for the Round of 32

1. Democratic Republic of the Congo (Group K) – 4 points, goal difference – +1

2. Sweden (Group F) – 4 point, goal difference – 0

4. Ecuador (Group E) – 4 point, goal difference – 0

5. Bosnia and Herzegovina (Group B) – 4 point, goal difference – -1

6. Algeria (Group J) – 4 point, goal difference – -2

7. Paraguay (Group D) – 4 point, goal difference – -2

8. Senegal (Group I) – 3 point, goal difference – +2

The four third-place teams missed the knockout stage:

Iran (Group G, 3 points, -3 goal difference)

South Korea (Group A, 3 points, -1 goal difference)

Scotland (Group C, 3 points, -3 goal difference)

Uruguay (Group H, 2 points, -1 goal difference)