The final round of FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage matches kicks off on Wednesday, June 24, with the four teams in each group playing simultaneously.
This time, in the expanded 48-team tournament, the top teams from each group and the top eight teams in third place overall will qualify for the first knockout round.
This is how the group ranking is determined if two teams finish on an equal number of points (tie-breaker):
1. Most points in head-to-head matches
2. Superior goal difference in head-to-head matches
3. Most goals scored in head-to-head matches
4. Superior goal difference in all group stage matches
5. Most goals scored in all group stage matches
6. Best team behavior score (players and officials) — number of yellow and red cards received
7. Highest ranking according to the latest FIFA world rankings
Published on June 24, 2026
