World Cup 2026: deciding best third‑placed teams and Mexico’s opponent

The new format features twelve groups of four, and after the three group matches the first two teams in each group secure automatic passage to the round of 16. The eight best third‑placed teams, determined by points, goal difference and goals scored, also move forward, completing a 32‑team knockout stage.

Rankings of the third‑placed sides are published after the final group round, and the draw pairs them with group winners. If Mexico finishes third in its group, it will face one of these rescued teams, with the exact opponent decided by the tournament’s draw schedule.