The 2026 FIFA World Cup’s expanded format was always going to produce more drama in the group stage standings, and June 25 delivered exactly that. Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ecuador, and Sweden have each mathematically confirmed their places among the eight best third-placed teams, punching their tickets to the round of 16.
All three nations finished their respective group campaigns on four points. Bosnia’s result was the most emphatic, a 3-1 victory over host nation Qatar. Sweden drew 1-1 with Japan. Ecuador also closed out their group with four points secured.
How the best third-place system works
With 12 groups of four teams, six third-placed qualifiers advance to the knockout rounds. Not all third-placed teams make it through, only the best eight based on points, goal difference, and goals scored across groups.
This is the first World Cup to use the 48-team format, a historic expansion of the tournament.
