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Uruguay is out of the race… and everyone awaits their fate
The battle for the qualification cards for the 32nd round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues with the goal of the top 8 teams in third place, with one day left for the final round of the group stage.
Under the new World Cup system, the first and second-placed teams from each group qualify, in addition to the top eight third-placed teams.
Until now, there are 5 third-placed teams: Sweden, Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay and Senegal, and 3 cards remain to be decided in the next few hours.
Algeria are in strong competition for one of these cards as they sit third in Group 10 with 3 points and -2 goal difference ahead of their match against second-placed Austria on 3 points and 0 goal difference.
The Green team has come clean because they know what they need to qualify.
For the first time, the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) rankings can be used to determine qualification through the top three if two or more teams are equal on points, goal difference, goals scored, as well as the number of colored cards, which is possible given the complexity of the competition until the final moments.
Below are the standings of all third place teams so far
Ecuador (ranked 24th in the world)
After collecting 4 points, the Ecuadorian team qualified for the round of 32, becoming one of the best in the third place. After a defeat to Ivory Coast and a disappointing draw with Curaçao, they revived their hopes with a valuable win over Germany in the last round to secure passage and await their opponents in the next round.
Sweden (36th in the world)
The Swedish team also qualified with 4 points. After a big win over Tunisia in the first round, they settled for a draw with Japan, a result which was enough to guarantee them a place in the top three.
Bosnia and Herzegovina (61st in the world)
Bosnia has the lowest ranking in the world among the teams that have qualified so far, but managed to collect 4 points thanks to a draw with Canada and a win over Qatar. His team also became the first team to officially know their opponent in the Round of 32, where they will face the USA.
Paraguay (37th in the world)
After a heavy loss to the USA, followed by a win over Turkey, Paraguay finished third in the group stage and drew with Australia in the final round, collecting 4 points and retaining their position in the finals.
Senegal (18th in the world)
Despite a tough start against France and Norway, Senegal came back strong to thrash Iraq 5-0 to take their tally to 3 points and significantly improve their goal difference, which decided qualification in their favour.
Iran (21st place in the world)
The Iranian team was drawn in a strong group that included Belgium and Egypt and settled for three draws without a win. His fate will depend on the results of the rest of the groups, with his world ranking possibly giving him an advantage if he meets the criteria for a final draw.
Croatia (13th place in the world)
Croatia is the highest ranked team in the world among all teams currently ranked third. After an early loss to England, they still have a chance to finish second in the group if they beat Ghana, but even if they finish third, their world ranking could be an important weapon in the race for qualification.
South Korea (23rd in the world)
The Korean team performed less than expected in the tournament, losing to Mexico and AAU, where they settled for just 3 points, so their fate depended on the results of the other teams, despite having a good world ranking.
Algeria (29th in the world)
Algeria (with 3 points and a goal difference of -2) is still in a position to secure second place in their group with a win over Austria, staying away from the tough calculations for third place.
As for the draw, it can also be enough to ensure qualification in the top three, which makes the final round crucial for the “greens”.
A loss would complicate Algeria’s position and qualification would not be guaranteed via best-of-three as there are already two teams on 3 points and ahead of them on goal difference: Iran (0 goal difference) and South Korea (-1 goal difference).
There is also Croatia with 3 points and -1 goal difference, but will face Panama. Likewise, the Democratic Republic of Congo has one point and will face Uzbekistan.
Also, the Algerian team can draw with Scotland with the same goal difference (-3) if they lose to Austria by one goal. At that time, the Arab team would stand out due to the goals scored (two goals to one by Scotland).
Scotland (41st in the world)
Scotland started their campaign with a win over Haiti, but then lost to Morocco and Brazil to find themselves in a difficult situation, while the world ranking does not give them a significant advantage over some of their rivals.
Democratic Republic of the Congo (46th in the world)
The Congolese team still has a chance to qualify, especially as they face Uzbekistan, the world’s lowest-ranked (57), in a direct match, which they could pass if they win.
Uruguay (19th in the world)
Despite being ranked 19th in the world, Uruguay crashed out of the tournament early, failing to win in the group stage, settling for two draws against Saudi Arabia and Cape Verde, before losing to Spain to become the first third-placed team to officially miss out on qualification.
What is the ranking of the top three so far?
Qualified
1- Sweden (sixth group) 3 matches, collected 4 points, goal difference (0).
2- Ecuador (Group E) 3 matches, collected 4 points, goal difference (0).
3- Bosnia and Herzegovina (group 2): 3 games, 4 points, goal difference (-1).
4- Paraguay (Group D) 3 matches, collected 4 points, goal difference (-2).
5- Senegal (ninth group) 3 matches, collected 3 points, goal difference (+2).
Awaiting their fate
6- Iran (Seventh Group) 3 matches, collected 3 points, goal difference (0).
7- Croatia (Twelfth Group): played two matches, collected 3 points, goal difference (-1).
8- South Korea (Group A) 3 matches, 3 points, goal difference (-1).
9- Algeria (Tenth group): played two matches, collected 3 points, goal difference (-2).
10- Scotland (Group C): 3 games, 3 points, goal difference (-3).
11- Uruguay (Group H) 3 matches, 2 points, goal difference (-1) (Make sure it’s out).
12- Democratic Republic of the Congo (Eleventh Group). played two matches, scored one point, goal difference (-1).
How does FIFA decide the best third-place finishers?
According to Article 13 of the FIFA Statutes, the third-placed teams in the groups are ranked according to the following criteria:
1- Most points scored in all group matches.
2- The best goal difference in all matches of the group.
3- Most goals scored in all group matches.
4- The highest score for the disciplinary behavior of the team (players and members of the technical staff) based on the number of yellow and red cards in all group matches.
5- Tie teams will be ranked according to the latest published version of the FIFA World Ranking.
6. If a tie persists, the teams will be ranked according to the immediately preceding version of the FIFA classification, continuing to refer to the previous versions consecutively until the classification is determined.
