As the group stage of the World Cup draws to a close, the biggest intrigue revolves not around which team finishes first, but who comes third. The first two in each group advance to the round of 16, but the eight best third places are also added.
The United States, Canada, France, Germany, Brazil and Norway already have their ticket secured. Attention now focuses on the duels that will define the last classified.
Key matches for third place
The United States faces Bosnia-Herzegovina on July 1 in Santa Clara. Gregg Berhalter’s team is coming off a loss to Türkiye, but Christian Pulisic could return from a calf injury. “We play every game as if it were a knockout match,” said midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, scorer of a goal against Türkiye.
Co-host Canada faces South Africa on June 28. Both teams made history by qualifying for the direct elimination phase for the first time. South Africa surprised South Korea in the group stage.
Brazil faces Japan on June 29. The Blue Samurais advanced as runners-up in Group F after tying with Sweden. Japan recruited Brazilian legend Zico in 1991 to professionalize its league; Now they measure their progress against the five-time champion.
Netherlands vs. Morocco, also on June 29. The Netherlands won Group F 8-2 on aggregate. Morocco, undefeated in Group C, seeks to become the first African champion after reaching the semifinals at Qatar 2022.
Norway faces Ivory Coast on June 30. Coach Ståle Solbakken rested Erling Haaland and nine other starters against France, and now they must face the Ivorians in Dallas.
“It’s disappointing not to have gotten the result we deserved,” lamented South Korean striker Son Heung-min, whose team awaits its fate as one of the possible third places.
With four points, Bosnia, Sweden, Ecuador and Paraguay already have a place almost guaranteed. Senegal, after beating Iraq 5-0, also aspires. The goal difference will define the last classified.
