Tonight, the 2026 World Cup format with 48 teams delivers its final group-stage verdict: six matches in Groups J, K, and L kick off simultaneously, after which the Round of 16 bracket will be completely filled. Three groups — three scenarios of varying intensity. This is more than just the end of a phase: the results also determine the ranking of the best third-placed teams, where four spots still remain open.
Group J: Austria vs. Algeria — One Spot for Two
Argentina has already secured their place from Group J and face Jordan — a match with no tournament stakes for the reigning champions. The real drama, however, is in the parallel fixture: Austria and Algeria both have three points each. The winner advances in second place; the loser goes home or waits on the third-place ranking. A draw doesn't automatically save either side: if points are level, goal difference and goals scored come into play.
Group K: Colombia vs. Portugal — The Battle for First Place
Colombia has already confirmed their place in the knockout stage after two wins. Portugal are also through to the Round of 16, but the question of who finishes first remains open: topping the group means a better position in the bracket. Meanwhile, DR Congo face Uzbekistan — the Congolese need a win to contend for a spot among the best third-placed teams. Their current goal difference of −1 is better than Paraguay's (−2), so a win could push them ahead in the third-place rankings.
Group L: England vs. Panama and Croatia vs. Ghana
England lead Group L on goal difference and face already-eliminated Panama. Croatia and Ghana are both through to the knockout stage, but first place is yet to be decided. This group will almost certainly send its third-placed team into the best third-place ranking — and the result will determine whether Iran or South Korea survive in the top 8 third-placed teams.
Scenarios
- Austria beat Algeria: Austria advance as runners-up from Group J; Algeria are eliminated or enter the third-place ranking with 3 points — but competition there is fierce. Iran and South Korea breathe a sigh of relief.
- Algeria beat Austria: Algeria advance in second place, Austria finish third with 3 points. If Austria end up on 3 points, they could theoretically make the top 8 third-placed teams, but only if the other three third-placed teams from Groups J, K, and L don't accumulate more points.
- DR Congo beat Uzbekistan: the Congolese move to 4 points with a better goal difference than Paraguay, pushing them out of the top 8 third-placed teams. Paraguay find themselves on the brink of elimination — depending on results in Groups J and L.
Best Third-Place Ranking: Four Spots Still Open
As of the morning of June 27, Ecuador, Sweden, and Bosnia and Herzegovina are guaranteed places in the top 8 third-placed teams. Senegal also confirmed their spot after a dominant 5–0 win over Iraq. Iran (3 points, Group G) holds a position in the top 8, but only as long as no more than seven other third-placed teams finish above them. South Korea (3 points, Group A) need at least two of the three groups still playing (J, K, L) to produce a third-placed team with a low points tally. Scotland, following their 0–3 defeat to Brazil, are already out of the top eight — confirming just how tight this qualification line is.
For more on how Korea and Bosnia started this tournament, read our coverage of the opening matchday.
What to watch tonight: the key match is Austria vs. Algeria (at 05:00 Kyiv time), where second place in Group J is decided. Keep an eye on the DR Congo vs. Uzbekistan score at the same time: if the Congolese are winning, the third-place rankings are being reshuffled in real time. Tomorrow, the Round of 16 begins — and the 2026 World Cup format with 48 teams enters knockout mode.
Photo: Sean Leahy · Editorial (source)
