The World Cup 2026 has seen significant developments in the standings, particularly affecting teams placed third in their respective groups. Following the conclusion of matches in Groups K and L, South Korea and Iran have been officially eliminated from the tournament.

South Korea's exit came after a disappointing performance, finishing with just three points and a goal difference of -3. Their final match saw them lose to Brazil, which ultimately pushed them down to ninth place in the ranking of third-placed teams. This result means South Korea will not advance to the knockout stage.

Similarly, Iran faced elimination after a 3-3 draw between Algeria and Austria, which confirmed their fate. Iran ended the group stage with three points and a goal difference of 0, placing them at the bottom of their group and sealing their exit from the competition.

In contrast, Ghana managed to secure a spot in the Round of 16, finishing third in their group with four points despite a loss to Croatia. They are among the eight teams that will advance based on their performance as third-placed teams, joining the likes of Sweden, Ecuador, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Paraguay, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The World Cup 2026 has been filled with surprises and intense competition, and the elimination of South Korea and Iran highlights the unpredictable nature of the tournament. Fans will be eager to see how the remaining teams perform as they strive for glory on the world stage.