exellent crabgood crabVietnamese crab exporter

For Scotland and Other Teams in 3rd Place, the World Cup Waiting Game Is Underway

Associated Press
June 26, 2026 | 1:37 am
SHARE
Scotland's Andy Robertson attempts to control the ball during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Scotland's Andy Robertson attempts to control the ball during the World Cup Group C soccer match between Scotland and Brazil in Miami Gardens, Fla., Wednesday, June 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Miami Gardens, Florida. The Scottish soccer superfans known as the Tartan Army might want to come up with a few new rousing chants to support the likes of Iraq, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Spain. Maybe a few other teams, too.

Scotland is going to need some help.

The games might be done for Scotland at this World Cup, except for one -- the waiting game. Scotland finished third in Group C, not good enough to advance automatically but potentially good enough to grab one of the eight spots in the Round of 32 allocated to top third-place teams.

“It's a waiting game, unfortunately,” Scotland midfielder Kenny McLean said. “Maybe results will go our way.”

ADVERTISEMENT

Each of the 48 teams at this World Cup was assigned to a group of four. The teams finishing first and second in those groups automatically advance to the knockout stage, so with 12 groups, that leaves 24 spots on a 32-team bracket.

The teams that finished last in each of the 12 groups will be eliminated.

That leaves 12 third-place finishers for the eight remaining spots. A total of four standings points will almost certainly be enough to advance; three would get it done for many teams as well. Ties within the third-place teams, with no head-to-head tiebreaker possible because they're all in different groups, will be settled by goal difference, goals scored, FIFA's “fair play” ranking, and FIFA's world ranking, if necessary.

Bosnia and Herzegovina -- which finished third in Group B with four points after one win, one loss, and one tie -- will be one of those qualifying teams. South Korea, the third-place team from Group A after a win and two losses (with a minus-1 goal differential), is almost certain to be headed into the Round of 32 as well.

But plenty of teams, including Scotland (3 points, with a minus-3 goal differential), will have no choice other than to sit around and wait for results that will decide their fate. If Iraq, Egypt, Uzbekistan, and Spain all win their final matches in group play, the Scots would probably advance. There are other paths, too. There are also countless ways for them to miss out.

“We made mistakes, but that happens in football,” Scotland defender Nathan Patterson said. “And now we just have to hope things go our way.”

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

Related Articles


News 1 hours ago

Japan and Sweden Play to 1-1 Draw as Both Advance to Knockout Round 

The Japanese team finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands and will play Brazil in Houston on Monday.
News 5 hours ago

Ivory Coast into World Cup Knockout Round after a 2-0 Win over Curaçao

Ivory Coast will play on June 30 against either France or Norway -- whichever is the runner-up in Group I.
News 5 hours ago

Ecuador Beats Germany to Advance to Knockout Rounds

Ecuador finished third in the group with four points and advanced past the group stage for the second time after the 2006 edition.
News 10 hours ago

For Scotland and Other Teams in 3rd Place, the World Cup Waiting Game Is Underway

South Korea, the third-place team from Group A after a win and two losses (with a minus-1 goal differential), is almost certain to advance.
News Jun 25, 2026 | 11:43 am

Historic Night for South Africa as Maseko Sinks South Korea

South Africa reached the World Cup knockout stage for the first time after Maseko's goal secured a 1-0 win over South Korea.
News Jun 25, 2026 | 11:34 am

Morocco Rallies Past Haiti 4-2 to Reach World Cup Knockout Stage

Late goals from Rahimi and Yassine helped Morocco overcome Haiti 4-2 and advance to the World Cup last 32.
News Jun 25, 2026 | 11:10 am

World Cup 2026: Switzerland Beats Canada 2-1 to Win Group B at World Cup

Switzerland defeated Canada 2-1 to win Group B, while the hosts advanced to the World Cup knockout stage for the first time.
News Jun 25, 2026 | 10:59 am

Mexico Makes History, Beats Czech Republic 3-0 to Finish Perfect Group Stage

Mexico defeated the Czech Republic 3-0 to complete a historic perfect World Cup group stage and advance to the last 32.
News Jun 25, 2026 | 9:30 am

Vinícius Stars as Brazil Seals Top Spot in Group C

Vinícius Júnior scored twice as Brazil defeated Scotland 3-0 to win Group C and advance to the World Cup knockout stage.
News Jun 24, 2026 | 12:55 pm

Colombia Breaks Through Congo's Defense to Reach Knockout Stage at World Cup

Colombia has six points from two matches in Group K, two ahead of Portugal and five clear of Congo.

The Latest


News 1 hours ago

Japan and Sweden Play to 1-1 Draw as Both Advance to Knockout Round 

The Japanese team finished second in Group F behind the Netherlands and will play Brazil in Houston on Monday.
Business 2 hours ago

Indonesia Keeps MSCI EM Status, but Isn't Out of the Woods Yet 

Indonesia retained its status as an MSCI Emerging Market but investors remain concerned about market transparency.
News 2 hours ago

Jokowi Launches Nationwide Political Tour Wearing Son’s PSI Party Uniform

Jokowi has begun his first nationwide political tour since leaving office, openly wearing the uniform of the party led by his youngest son.
Business 3 hours ago

JCI Rebounds Above 6,000 as Lower Oil Prices Lift Sentiment

JCI rebounded above 6,000 as lower oil prices and a stronger rupiah lifted sentiment despite renewed higher-for-longer Fed concerns.
Business 4 hours ago

Globalization's Gains at Risk as Geopolitics Is Reshaping Global Trade

Harvard's Elhanan Helpman warns geopolitical rivalry is reshaping global trade, threatening decades of globalization's gains.
COPYRIGHT © 2026 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED