Third-placed teams fight for World Cup knockout stage spots
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 24, 2026, 5:30 PM
Last updated Jun 24, 2026
As the World Cup approaches the final group matches, teams like Sweden, Scotland, and Paraguay currently sit third in their respective groups. FIFA's new rule prioritizing head-to-head records over goal difference will significantly impact calculations for progression. Sweden started strong but faces Japan next, while Scotland must contend with a formidable Brazil. Paraguay's performance against the United States was underwhelming, and they await a crucial match against Australia. The outcomes of these fixtures will determine which third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage.
- •Sweden faces Japan in a must-win match.
- •Scotland plays Brazil with their hopes riding on a draw.
- •Paraguay looks to bounce back against Australia.
- •New FIFA rules prioritize head-to-head records over goal difference.
- 5:30 PMYahoo Sports — The current third-placed teams most likely to reach World Cup round of 32
"Ollie Whitmore, Chief football news reporterFIFA made a very significant change to how the order of groups at the 2026 World Cup would be determined, and no matter how controversial it will start to t...
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