New World Cup format allows third-place teams to advance
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 25, 2026, 12:45 PM
Last updated Jun 25, 2026
The World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time, introducing a round of 32. This new format means that only 16 teams will be eliminated in the group stage, with the eight best third-place teams moving forward. Ranking criteria include points, goal difference, goals scored, disciplinary records, and FIFA rankings. Conduct will be assessed through a point system based on yellow and red cards.
- •New format includes 48 teams competing in the World Cup.
- •Only 16 teams will be eliminated in the group stage.
- •Eight best third-place teams will qualify for the knockout round.
- •Ranking criteria include points and disciplinary records.
- •Point deductions are based on yellow and red cards.
- 12:45 PMYahoo Sports — How qualification for knockout rounds for third-place World Cup group stage teams works
"The biggest World Cup of all time will see more teams emerge out of the group stage than ever before. For the first time in its 96-year history, 48 teams competed for the ultimate prize in soccer, creating a round of 32 for the first time.
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