The top 2 of each group (24) plus the 8 best third-placed teams from the 12 groups qualify, to complete 32. Those 8 thirds go into 8 fixed slots (matches 74, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 85 and 87) according to an official FIFA table (Annex C of the rules, with 495 possible combinations) that depends on which groups end up providing a third, and avoids a third-placed team facing a rival from its own group. Each of those slots only admits thirds from certain groups (for example, match 74 takes the third from A, B, C, D or F).

Note: our bracket respects those eligible groups for each slot with a valid pairing; the exact Annex C row that applies will only be known once the 8 thirds are decided.