How 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 Editorial1 min read
The Kickoff desk
News & Analysis
Guides, explainers and analysis for the first 48-team World Cup. Every story is human-reviewed, sourced and bylined.
News
(Credit: Photo: Wikimedia Commons)Yamal on track for Spain's World Cup opener, says De la Fuente
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente says Lamine Yamal could be ready to feature in the Group H opener against Cape Verde on June 15, while stopping short of guaranteeing the recovering forward will start.
Kickoff Staff3 min read
Kickoff is an independent fan project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with FIFA.