World Cup 2026: How does the third-place table work and will Scotland still qualify? (opens original article in a new tab)

Scotland's World Cup qualification hopes depend on other group stage results as they need to be among the best eight third-placed teams

• Scotland finished third in Group C with three points and a -3 goal difference
• Only the best eight third-placed teams from 12 groups will advance to knockout rounds
• Scotland needs at least four other third-placed teams to have fewer than three points or worse goal difference