What the verdicts mean
At the 2026 World Cup, the top two teams in each group qualify for the knockouts automatically, joined by the eight best of the twelve third-placed teams. After that it's straight knockout football. Win and advance, lose and you're done. Here's what each verdict on a team's page means.
During the group stage
- STILL IN IT
The starting point. Every team is in it until results say otherwise. (Shown before a team has played.)
- THROUGH
Qualified for the knockouts and can't be caught.
- WIN AND IN
Win your next match and you're through.
- HANGING ON
Still alive for a top-two spot, but you can be knocked out.
- HANGING BY A THREAD
Top two is gone; only a best-third-place finish can save you.
- OUT
Mathematically eliminated.
In the knockouts Coming once the knockouts begin
- WIN OR GO HOME
A knockout match to play. Win and advance, lose and you're out.
- INTO THE LAST 16
Won your Round-of-32 tie.
- INTO THE QUARTERS
Won your Round-of-16 tie.
- INTO THE SEMIS
Reached the semi-finals.
- FINALISTS
Reached the final.
- CHAMPIONS
Won the World Cup.
- OUT
Knocked out of the bracket, beaten finalists included.