Paraguay is the only team to reach milestone in this World Cup
Following the conclusion of the second round of the 2026 World Cup, Paraguay remains the only team out of eight that qualified as third-placed finishers still alive in the tournament.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0 / Author: Newell Reinvention
The Paraguay national team has emerged as the tournament's biggest surprise, standing as the only squad among the eight that advanced from the group stage as third-place finishers to remain in contention for the title. The new format of the 2026 World Cup provided a lifeline for third-placed sides, but most were unable to capitalize on the opportunity beyond the second phase.
Paraguay's survival comes after a stunning upset against Germany. Following a 1-1 draw through regulation and extra time, the South Americans triumphed 4-3 in the penalty shootout, with goalkeeper Orlando Gill delivering a decisive performance.
The other seven teams that qualified as third-place finishers—Bosnia and Herzegovina, Senegal, Algeria, Ecuador, DR Congo, Sweden, and Ghana—have all been eliminated. Teams like Senegal and DR Congo came close to advancing but failed to maintain their leads, ultimately bowing out in dramatic fashion.