Knockout path scenarios
This is a Group A, Matchday 1 fixture. The knockout bracket implications depend on where each team finishes in the group.
South Korea
If South Korea wins Group A
Round of 32: vs 3rd Place (TBD)
Match 79 · June 30 · Estadio Azteca
If South Korea finishes 2nd
Round of 32: vs 2nd Group B
Match 73 · June 28 · SoFi Stadium
Czech Republic
If Czech Republic wins Group A
Round of 32: vs 3rd Place (TBD)
Match 79 · June 30 · Estadio Azteca
If Czech Republic finishes 2nd
Round of 32: vs 2nd Group B
Match 73 · June 28 · SoFi Stadium
Third-place scenarios
Even finishing 3rd is not necessarily elimination. The 8 best third-placed teams (out of 12 groups) advance to the Round of 32. A third-place finish with 3+ points and a neutral or positive goal difference would likely be enough to qualify. Third-placed teams are always paired against group winners in the Round of 32.