Confirmed to surpass four teams! Bosnia becomes the first third-place group finisher to advance, marking their debut in the World Cup knockout stage.

On June 25, Beijing time, the World Cup wrapped up the games in Groups B and C. The third-place finishers were Bosnia (4 points, goal difference -1) and Scotland (3 points, goal difference -3). Based on the rule allowing the eight best third-place teams among the 12 groups to progress, and evaluating the overall group situations, Bosnia has effectively guaranteed qualification.

First, Bosnia has outperformed Scotland. Second, in Group I, after two rounds, both the third and fourth-placed teams have 0 points, with a maximum of 3 points possible in the final round. This means Bosnia also exceeds the potential third-place finisher in Group I.

Furthermore, Groups D and J are in identical situations: in the final round, second-place teams with 2 points face third-place teams also on 2 points. Thus, the best possible outcome for the third-place teams in these groups is 4 points (goal difference -2). Bosnia therefore surpasses the third-place teams in both Groups D and J.

As a result, Bosnia's group record of 4 points (goal difference -1) now exceeds those of the third-place teams in Groups C, D, I, and J, ensuring they rank among the top eight third-place teams and, according to the rules, have already advanced.

This also marks the first time in Bosnia's history that they have reached the World Cup knockout stage. In 2014, Bosnia made their World Cup debut, and despite defeating Iran to earn their first victory in the group stage, they finished third behind Argentina and Nigeria, failing to advance.

Eight years later, this European dark horse, which eliminated Italy in the qualifiers, has finally achieved a major breakthrough on the World Cup stage.