Five teams have secured knockout stage spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with three more to be decided based on points and goal difference; The Athletic's model predicts likely advancements
Senegal defeated 10-man Iraq 5-0 in their Group I finale, with Pape Gueye scoring two long-range goals and Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Iliman Ndiaye also finding the net. The win boosted Senegal's goal difference, placing them in contention for a third-place qualification spot, while Iraq was eliminated.
Senegal secured a crucial 5-0 victory over 10-man Iraq in their final Group I match. Substitute Pape Gueye scored twice, with Ismaïla Sarr, Habib Diarra, and Iliman Ndiaye also finding the net. The win boosts Senegal's goal difference as they vie for a third-place spot in the last 32.
The expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage is nearing its end, with 48 teams vying for 32 knockout spots. Beyond the top two from each of 12 groups, the eight best third-placed teams will also advance, a new qualification dynamic.
The final round of World Cup group games faces scrutiny over potential 'mutually beneficial outcomes' that could compromise sporting integrity, echoing the 1982 'Disgrace of Gijon'. With third-place teams now advancing, stalemates could see sides like Australia and Paraguay progress.
Morocco defeated Haiti 4-2 in an action-packed World Cup match, coming from behind twice to secure their spot in the last 32. Despite the win, Morocco finished second in Group C behind Brazil on goal difference and will face the Group F winners in the first knockout round.
This article details how teams are ranked in a tournament, outlining tie-breaking criteria such as head-to-head results and goal difference. It lists teams that have qualified for the last 32 and those eliminated, and explains the qualification process for third-placed teams.
Scotland faces a crucial World Cup match against Brazil after a narrow 1-0 loss to Morocco. Despite a spirited second-half performance, concerns linger over the team's limited game-changing talent compared to nations of similar size, with manager Steve Clarke facing a challenge to develop new talent.
Fifa's new 2026 World Cup tiebreaker rule prioritizes head-to-head records over goal difference, impacting group standings and potentially leading to early eliminations and group wins before the final matchday.
Fifa is changing its tiebreaker rule for the 2026 World Cup, prioritizing head-to-head records over goal difference. This shift, already used by Uefa, could allow teams to secure group wins earlier, impacting player rest and final group match strategies.
Scotland secured a crucial 6-0 win over Israel in their World Cup qualifier, but the victory was marred by a potentially serious injury to midfielder Erin Cuthbert, who was stretchered off and hospitalized.
Roberto De Zerbi has warned Tottenham players that their futures at the club are at stake in the upcoming match against Everton. He reaffirmed his commitment to stay if the team is relegated for the first time since 1977, emphasizing the need for players to manage pressure and find inner strength.
East Bengal have won the 2025-26 Indian Super League title, their first in 22 years, after a dramatic final day. They secured the championship by edging out rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant on goal difference.
Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham's final-day relegation showdown against Everton is more crucial than last season's Europa League final, emphasizing the importance of club dignity and pride over trophies. Spurs need a draw to secure their Premier League status.
Arsenal's title hopes are high after a win against Burnley, setting up a crucial match where manager Mikel Arteta will support Bournemouth against Manchester City. The Premier League title race will be decided on the final day.
Arsenal leads Manchester City by two points with two games remaining in the Premier League title race. Tie-breakers include goal difference, goals scored, and head-to-head records. Both teams have crucial matches ahead.
For Nottingham Forest, just how precious might Elliot Anderson’s late equaliser at home to Newcastle prove? Vítor Pereira’s side knew they had to match or better West Ham’s result later against the Premier League leaders, Arsenal, and if West Ham fail to win at the London Stadium, then Forest’s mood will improve again and relegation fears will substitute. In a game devoid of quality, the Newcastle substitutes Jacob Ramsey and Harvey Barnes combined to seize Eddie Howe’s side a 74th-minute lead, but the former Newcastle youngster showed great endeavour to level.For Forest, who Pereira warned had no time to wallow after exiting the Europa League on Thursday, the wait goes on to guarantee Premier League survival, but this point – and their vastly superior goal difference – could go some way to doing so. Anderson has been Forest’s best player this season by some distance and after playing a give and go with James McAtee, a Forest sub, the England midfielder burned into the six-yard box and sent an effort past Nick Pope from a tight angle. The likelihood is this was Anderson’s penultimate Forest game at the City Ground, the 23-year-old a target for Manchester City and Manchester United this summer. Continue reading...
Sunday’s edition of the famous rivalry felt like the least important in years, except for the uncertain futures of both managersSign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterIt’s been a long time since a Manchester United v Liverpool game felt of less consequence. These are the two most successful sides in English league history, hailing from neighbouring cities and they have a rivalry that stretches back well over a century. Yet it felt perhaps only the seventh-most significant fixture of the weekend, behind the games involving the two title contenders, Arsenal and Manchester City, and the four sides still scrapping to avoid joining Wolves and Burnley in being relegated this season – Leeds, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Tottenham.United’s 3-2 win sealed their place in next season’s Champions League while, barring very odd swings of goal difference, Liverpool need just three points from their remaining three games to be certain of their own qualification. For both, the biggest issue now is deciding who manages them next season – and this was a ragged enough game to cast doubts over the suitability of Michael Carrick and Arne Slot for their respective sides. Continue reading...
⚽ Updates from the 5.30pm BST kick-off at Tynecastle⚽ Live scores | Table | Read Football Daily | Mail John2 min: Paul Simpson gets in touch: “Back in 64-65 my old man tells me he was at the game against Kilmarnock with his dad and 50000 others (possibly exaggerated). Hearts lost 2-0 and Kilmarnock won the league on goal average, by about 0.04 of a goal. In 85-86 we lived in Australia and woke up to the crushing disappointment of a 2-0 loss to Dundee after an unheard of unbeaten run which allowed Celtic to pip them on goal difference, by three goals. In that season I did see a game against Rangers, an absolute pasting as my 14 year old self remembers, 3-0 to Hearts. I would happily take something similar today, although a lucky draw wouldn’t upset me too much. Come on you Jambos.”1 min: Hearts get a throw in the Rangers half. Kingsley launches, only to be cleared. And Rangers escape on the counter to great boos. Diomande gets it eventually but can’t do anything with it. Continue reading...
Sunday’s edition of the famous rivalry felt like the least important in years, except for the uncertain futures of both managersSign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterIt’s been a long time since a Manchester United v Liverpool game felt of less consequence. These are the two most successful sides in English league history, hailing from neighbouring cities and they have a rivalry that stretches back well over a century. Yet it felt perhaps only the seventh-most significant fixture of the weekend, behind the games involving the two title contenders, Arsenal and Manchester City, and the four sides still scrapping to avoid joining Wolves and Burnley in being relegated this season – Leeds, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Tottenham.United’s 3-2 win sealed their place in next season’s Champions League while, barring very odd swings of goal difference, Liverpool need just three points from their remaining three games to be certain of their own qualification. For both, the biggest issue now is deciding who manages them next season – and this was a ragged enough game to cast doubts over the suitability of Michael Carrick and Arne Slot for their respective sides. Continue reading...
Sunday’s edition of the famous rivalry felt like the least important in years, except for the uncertain futures of both managersSign up for the World Behind The Cup newsletterIt’s been a long time since a Manchester United v Liverpool game felt of less consequence. These are the two most successful sides in English league history, hailing from neighbouring cities and they have a rivalry that stretches back well over a century. Yet it felt perhaps only the seventh-most significant fixture of the weekend, behind the games involving the two title contenders, Arsenal and Manchester City, and the four sides still scrapping to avoid joining Wolves and Burnley in being relegated this season – Leeds, Nottingham Forest, West Ham and Tottenham.United’s 3-2 win sealed their place in next season’s Champions League while, barring very odd swings of goal difference, Liverpool need just three points from their remaining three games to be certain of their own qualification. For both, the biggest issue now is deciding who manages them next season – and this was a ragged enough game to cast doubts over the suitability of Michael Carrick and Arne Slot for their respective sides. Continue reading...
Bukayo Saka marked his first start in six weeks with two goals and an assist as Arsenal beat Fulham at the Emirates. The 24-year-old England winger, recovering from an achilles injury, produced a devastating display that puts Arsenal in strong contention for their first Premier League title in 22 years. Manager Mikel Arteta withdrew him at half-time as a precaution ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg against Atlético Madrid.
Leeds United host already-relegated Burnley in a Premier League fixture where a victory would almost secure Leeds' second-season status. Burnley are without a manager and have just 20 points, while Leeds have 40. The article notes it's 23 years since a team was relegated after reaching 40 points, but Leeds still need points given tough away games against Spurs and West Ham to follow.
Nottingham Forest's 5-0 victory over Sunderland proved less decisive than expected as relegation rivals Tottenham and West Ham also won, keeping the Premier League survival battle tightly contested. With four games remaining, Forest sit five points clear of third-bottom Tottenham, while Leeds and Newcastle remain just one and two points ahead respectively. The article examines how promoted sides have accumulated 106 points this season - far exceeding previous years - challenging the traditional 40-point safety threshold.
