England have secured top spot in Group L at the World Cup, but Scotland's hopes of advancing as one of the best third-placed sides have been dashed after the final round of group fixtures began to take shape.
With 32 of the record 48 teams progressing to the knockout stages, and new tie-breaker rules in play, the permutations have been complex. England's victory in Group L ensures they advance to the last 32, but Scotland, despite a valiant campaign, have failed to qualify as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
“England win Group L but Scotland miss out as World Cup knockout places are decided.”
The path to the final on 19 July is now clearer for some. Co-hosts Mexico became the first nation to book their place in the knockout round, winning Group A with a perfect record. They will host Ecuador in Mexico City on Tuesday.
South Africa made history by beating South Korea 1-0 in their final group game, climbing to second place and reaching the knockout stage for the first time. They will face Canada in Los Angeles on Monday. That result condemned South Korea to third place in the group, which was not enough to send them through.
Switzerland sealed top spot in their group with a 2-1 victory over Canada, earning a last-32 tie against a third-placed team in Vancouver on 2 July. Canada finished as runners-up on goal difference and will now meet South Africa.
Bosnia-Herzegovina beat Qatar 3-1 to finish third on four points and will face the United States in the last 32. Czech Republic ended bottom of their group with just one point.
The remaining group fixtures will determine the final knockout lineup, with the top two from each of the 12 groups advancing, alongside the eight third-placed teams with the best records. Tie-breakers include head-to-head, goal difference, goals scored, Fifa's Team Conduct Score, and, if needed, June's Fifa ranking.