In past years, finishing third meant elimination. But the expanded World Cup means many more sides have a chance to make the knockout stages. Here is how they decide who progresses to the last 32.

FIFA's decision to use head-to-head records to separate teams in World Cup groups could have unforeseen consequences

The FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is heating up, with Germany, USA, and Mexico already securing knockout berths. Many other nations are on the cusp of qualification, while some…