FIFA rankings play a key role in 2026 World Cup knockout tiebreakers
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 27, 2026, 4:15 AM
Last updated Jun 27, 2026
The 2026 World Cup features a new tiebreaker that involves FIFA World Rankings for third-place teams. As the tournament expands to 48 teams, the rankings could determine which teams advance to the knockout stage. Currently, Ecuador (24th), Sweden (36th), and Bosnia and Herzegovina (61st) are among those already through with four points. Other teams, including Iran (21st) and Croatia (13th), still vie for advancement as group play continues.
- •Ecuador, Sweden, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are through to the knockout stage.
- •Senegal, ranked 18th, seeks to be the highest-ranked third-place qualifier.
- •Iran and Croatia still compete for advancement in their groups.
- •Uruguay, ranked 19th, is eliminated despite a winless group stage.
- 4:15 AMYahoo Sports — Here are the FIFA rankings for every third-place team in 2026 World Cup tiebreaker
"Under the new World Cup format, a team's FIFA World Ranking could come into play. Here's what you need to know.
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