As the UEFA EURO 2024 tournament progresses, the race to secure a place in the round of 16 heats up. While the top two teams in each group automatically advance, the four best third-placed teams also move forward.
This article breaks down how these third-placed teams are determined and what it means for their advancement in the tournament.
Criteria for Determining the Best Third-Placed Teams
To determine the four best third-placed teams, UEFA applies the following criteria, in order:
Points
The primary criterion is the number of points accumulated during the group stage matches.
Goal Difference
If teams have the same number of points, goal difference is used to separate them. The team with the higher goal difference advances.
Goals Scored
If teams are still tied, the next criterion is the total number of goals scored. Teams that score more goals are given priority.
Number of Wins
If necessary, the number of matches won during the group stage is considered.
Disciplinary Points
Teams' disciplinary records, based on yellow and red cards received, are also taken into account. Fewer disciplinary points can give a team an edge.
European Qualifiers Rankings
Finally, if all else is equal, the teams’ positions in the overall European Qualifiers rankings are considered. If the host nation, Germany, is involved in the comparison, lots are drawn to determine the final positions.
Advancement to the Round of 16
Once the best third-placed teams are determined, they are allocated to specific round of 16 matches. The match-ups are as follows:
Sunday, June 30: England vs. 3D/E/F (Gelsenkirchen, 18:00 CET)
Sunday, June 30: Spain vs. 3A/D/E/F (Cologne, 21:00 CET)
Monday, July 1: Portugal vs. 3A/B/C (Frankfurt, 21:00 CET)
Tuesday, July 2: 1E vs. 3A/B/C/D (Munich, 18:00 CET)
Historical Performance of Third-Placed Teams
Since the system's introduction at UEFA EURO 2016, third-placed teams have had notable success.
Portugal finished third in their group in 2016, advanced to the knockout stages, and ultimately won the tournament.
In 2020, Portugal, Czechia, Switzerland, and Ukraine all advanced from third place, with some reaching as far as the quarter-finals.
The inclusion of third-placed teams adds a dynamic element to the tournament, ensuring that every match counts and keeps the competition intense until the very end.
