The 2026 World Cup has introduced the largest knockout stage in the tournament's history, with 32 teams advancing from a 48-team group stage – more than the entire field of previous tournaments. For the first time, eight third-placed teams join the 24 group winners and runners-up in a round of 32, meaning England and Scotland could meet in the last 16 if results fall a certain way. In previous World Cups, only 16 teams made it to the knockouts. But for 2026, FIFA expanded the tournament to 48 nations, split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group automatically qualify, and the eight best third-placed teams (based on points, then tiebreakers) join them. This creates a round of 32, followed by the traditional round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. The knockout bracket is pre-determined by group positions, so a team's path to the trophy depends on finishing first, second or as a best third-placed side. The new format means tiebreakers are more important than ever. If two or more teams are level on points in a group, head-to-head results are used first. If still tied, goal difference, goals scored, FIFA's Team Conduct Score (based on red and yellow cards), and finally the higher FIFA ranking in the most recent published list are applied. The same criteria rank the 12 third-placed teams to select the eight that advance. For UK readers, the expanded knockout stage increases the chances of seeing home nations go deep into the tournament. As of the final round of group fixtures, England top Group L and Scotland sit third in Group C – a position that could see them face England in Mexico City on 6 July at 01:00 BST if Scotland progress as one of the best third-placed teams. However, results in other groups can change these matchups, so fans need to track the evolving third-place table.
Q: How many teams qualify for the World Cup knockout stage? 32 teams advance from the group stage: the top two from each of the 12 groups (24 teams) plus the eight best third-placed teams.
“A guide to the expanded 48-team World Cup knockout stage”
Q: What tiebreakers are used if teams are level on points? First, head-to-head results between the tied teams. Then goal difference, goals scored, FIFA's Team Conduct Score (disciplinary record), and finally the higher FIFA ranking from the most recent published update.
Q: Could England and Scotland meet in the knockout stage? Yes. As it stands, England are top of Group L and Scotland are third in Group C. If Scotland qualify as one of the best third-placed teams, they would face England in the last 16 in Mexico City on 6 July. The knockout stage is already taking shape, with co-hosts Mexico the first team to secure top spot in Group A. Other slots depend on the final round of group matches. BBC Sport and the Guardian offer interactive tools to plot possible routes, and fans can follow the third-place table as matches conclude. The round of 32 begins on 29 June, with the final scheduled for 19 July.