ExplainerHow the 'Best Third-Placed Teams' Rule Works in 2026
Eight of the twelve third-placed teams advance. Here is the tie-breaking ladder that decides who survives — and why it scrambles the bracket.
Kickoff Editorial
News & Analysis
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Guides, explainers and analysis for the first 48-team World Cup. Every story is human-reviewed, sourced and bylined.
- Human-reviewed
- Sourced & bylined
- Updated through kickoff
Transfers
Crysencio Summerville Seals Shock £68m Move to Al Hilal
Crysencio Summerville has completed a surprise £68 million transfer to Saudi Pro League side Al Hilal, with David Ornstein confirming the deal. The move comes as a blow to Manchester United, who had identified the winger as a potential replacement for Marcus Rashford.
Kickoff Editorial1 min read