How do World Cup third-place rankings work? All you need to know about Fifa’s new knockout system

With the World Cup expanding to 48 teams, the tournament now includes an intriguing twist for third-place teams in the group stage, sending eight of them into the knockout round. This change is a significant departure from previous formats, which only allowed the top two teams from each group to advance. The new system adds complexity and excitement, as these third-place teams now have a real shot at continuing their journey in the competition. Understanding this shift is crucial for fans and analysts alike to grasp how the tournament will unfold.