On a humid night in Stuttgart, Ecuador's substitutes Nilson Angulo and Gonzalo Plata scored two second-half goals to come from behind and beat Germany 2-1. The result was not just a famous upset: it secured Ecuador's place in the knockout stages not as group winners or runners-up, but as one of the eight best third-placed teams in an expanded 48-team World Cup.
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, up from 32 in previous tournaments. The teams are split into 12 groups of four. The top two from each group automatically advance to the last 32, and they are joined by the eight best third-placed teams — those with the most points, and if tied, the best goal difference and goals scored. This means that finishing third in your group no longer guarantees elimination; instead, teams in that position are ranked against each other to fill the remaining knockout spots.
“World Cup 2026 expanded to 48 teams: how third-placed teams can reach knockout stage.”
This change was introduced by Fifa to increase the number of teams and matches, and to give more nations a realistic chance of reaching the knockout stage. Previously, only the top two from each group progressed. The new format means that even after two defeats, a team can still advance if results elsewhere fall their way. In Group E, Ecuador finished third behind group winners and runners-up but still qualified. Similarly, South Africa made history by reaching the knockout stage for the first time after beating South Korea 1-0, courtesy of Thapelo Maseko's 63rd-minute strike. The Bafana Bafana had failed to progress from the group stage in their three previous appearances (1998, 2002 and 2010, when they became the first host nation to miss the knockouts). South Korea, despite the defeat, still have a chance of advancing as one of the eight best third-placed teams.
For UK readers, the new format adds extra drama to England's group campaign. Even if the Three Lions slip to third in their group, they could still qualify — though the path becomes harder. The expanded tournament also means more matches featuring Premier League stars and more opportunities for smaller nations to cause upsets. However, some critics argue that the format reduces the intensity of group games, as teams can afford a loss or draw. The standings of third-placed teams are updated constantly during the final round of group matches, making it a nail-biting race for fans.
Q: How are the eight best third-placed teams determined? They are ranked first by points, then by goal difference, then by goals scored. If still tied, fair-play criteria (fewer yellow and red cards) and drawing of lots are used. The top eight across all 12 groups advance to the last 32.
Q: Can a team with three points from three group matches still qualify? Yes, it is possible. In some groups, a team with three points (one win, two losses) can be among the best third-placed teams if goal difference and goals scored are favourable. For example, South Korea have three points after the loss to South Africa and still have a chance.
Q: Has this format been used before? Yes, at the 1986, 1990 and 1994 World Cups, 24 teams competed and the best four third-placed teams advanced from six groups. The 2026 format expands this to 48 teams and eight third-place qualifiers.
The knockout stage is now set. South Africa will face co-hosts Canada in Los Angeles on Sunday. The remaining third-placed qualifiers will be confirmed after the final group matches. England, still in control of their group, will look to avoid the uncertainty of the third-place standings by finishing in the top two.