As the final World Cup group matches approach, who is on course to reach the knockout stages?
The top two teams from each group and the eight best third‑placed teams qualify for the round of 32.
How are the eight best third-placed teams decided?
The eight best third-placed teams are ranked by:
- Points obtained in all group matches
- Goal difference from all group matches
- Goals scored in all group matches
- Fair Play – relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches
- FIFA ranking will come into play as a last resort
Every potential fixture in the World Cup knockout stages – as it stands…
