Jump To:Lowest possible points required to finish thirdCopy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterFor a while there, before Morocco twice came back from behind to ultimately win the game, it looked like Haiti could finish Group C with three points and still finish bottom.It could still happen yet at this summer's World Cup. Most of the incomplete groups still hold at least the possibility of a side finishing bottom of their group with three points and thus being eliminated at the group stage.Already-eliminated Turkiye, for instance, would do exactly that if they were to beat the United States on Thursday.Play our FREE match predictor and win �1kHow three World Cup teams could finish third with one pointThat raises the question: given that the third-placed sides are all judged against one another, regardless of what the other sides in their groups did...could we see one country eliminated with three points while another nation with fewer points goes through?The short answer is yes: failing to make it to three points but finishing third still technically gives a side a chance to make it into the round of 32. You may like Which third-placed teams go through from the World Cup group stage? What would happen if a World Cup group ended with everyone level on points and goal difference? What Scotland need to happen in the others World Cup groups to make it into knockout stage That's because only the worst four third-placed teams are eliminated, and there are are enough groups where it is technically possible to finish third with fewer than three points.Those groups are as follows:Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.Lowest possible points required to finish thirdGroup A: 1 point: If Mexico beat Czech Republic AND South Korea beat South Africa. A draw in one of those games instead would mean the third-placed side finishes with two points.Group E: 1 point: Same situation as Group A, with Curacao (vs Ivory Coast) and Ecuador (vs Germany) the games in question.Group G: 2 points: If New Zealand beat Belgium, and/or if Egypt beat Iran.Group H: 2 points: If Uruguay lose to Spain.Group I: 1 point: If Senegal and Iraq draw with one anotherGroup K: 2 points: If DR Congo and Uzbekistan draw with one anotherIn the unlikely event that five of those six groups go that way, then one team with two points would make it through to the round of 32.In the even more unlikely scenario that all six groups go that way, then two teams with two points would be into the knockouts.That does however mean that there is no possibility of a team making it through as a third-placed team with just one point.TOPICSWorld CupWorld Cup 2026Steven ChickenSocial Links NavigationSteven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication,WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
