The European Championship of 2024 is now in the final stages of group fixtures, with teams competing to secure a spot in the last 16. Austria, Slovakia, Slovenia and Albania are currently leading as best third-placed teams from their respective groups after two games played. However, these positions could change in the upcoming matches.
UEFA uses a set of criteria to determine the best third-placed teams, which include points earned, goal difference, goals scored, wins, disciplinary points (based on yellow and red cards), and position in the overall European Qualifiers rankings. The top four third-placed teams will advance to the last 16 while fifth and sixth ranked teams will be eliminated.
As of now, teams from Groups B, C, D and E are well positioned to progress as the best third-placed teams. UEFA has prepared potential match-up scenarios for the last 16 based on different combinations of teams that could advance. Regardless of their final rankings as best third-placed teams, winners of Groups B, C, E and F will face off against qualifying third-placed teams in predetermined match-ups.
In one possible scenario where third placed teams from Groups B, C
