2026 World Cup Countdown - Day 8: The eight teams we think will qualify from the groups in third

• 1. Canada (Group B)

• 2. Scotland (Group C)

• 3. Ivory Coast (Group E)

• 4. Iran (Group G)

• 5. Saudi Arabia (Group H)

• 6. Senegal (Group I)

• 7. Algeria (Group J)

• 8. Ghana (Group L)

The first team we think will qualify as one of the best third-placed teams is co-hosts Canada, who we're tipping to scrape enough points out of a challenging Group B. While Switzerland and Bosnia are likely to be too strong, picking up a victory against Qatar could be enough to see them through to the round of 32.

Then we're backing Scotland to find their way out of Group C, with a win against Haiti getting them into the knockouts - even if they do fall short against Brazil and Morocco. The likes of John McGinn and Scott McTominay are more than capable of stepping up in the big moments, so we're expecting the Tartan Army to accumulate enough points in the groups.

Ivory Coast are our third team to nick a spot in the last 32, with the Ivorians just about getting out of Group E thanks to a victory against Curacao. Germany and Ecuador will cause them real problems, so a win against Dick Advocaat's side will be crucial - but we think they'll get it, earning enough points to progress.

Then we look at Iran, who face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand in Group G. It's a tricky group, but with New Zealand ranked 85th in the world, it would be something of a travesty if Iran failed to beat them in their opening group game - and that should see them through.

Next up is Saudi Arabia, who we think will do enough to escape from a challenging Group H that includes joint-favourites Spain. While they're only ranked 61st, Georgios Donis' side are still ranked higher than World Cup debutants Cape Verde, and having beaten eventual champions Argentina back in 2022, we think they'll find a way to win a game here too.

Group I is arguably the most competitive group at the tournament, with France, Norway, and Senegal all fighting for top spot, so we do think one of the best third-placed sides will emerge from this group - and it will be Senegal. A win over Iraq seems likely, so we expect to see the likes of Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr in the round of 32.

Group J then brings us another balanced group as reigning world champions Argentina face Austria, Algeria, and Jordan, and while top spot seems Argentina's to lose, the fight for second could be a real battle. We're predicting Algeria to finish third in Group J, but with a win over Jordan - and possibly a draw against Austria too - they should safely sail through.

Finally, England's Group L opponents, with Croatia and Ghana (hopefully) battling for second behind Thomas Tuchel's runaway leaders - and we think Ghana will be the last team to qualify for the knockouts in third. Regardless of what happens against England and Croatia, a win over Panama could easily see them get enough points to reach the knockouts - where they're likely to be met by Portugal.

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All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.

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