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The fact that the World Cup is 48 teams and the 8 best third places out of 12 teams reveals some of the flaws in the format. Why does it make more sense for some matches to be 'biscuits' (i.e. a draw with results) if on the one hand there will be excitement in the final matches of all groups, which is not always the case in a 32-team tournament? Due to a consequential match at the 1982 World Cup, which took place between Algeria and Australia, FIFA was forced to modify the rules slightly, and the final matches of Group A are now played at the same time. But it still looks as if Algeria and Australia will once again find themselves embroiled in a comfortable result if the final group matches at the 2026 World Cup take place at the same time. If Algeria lose to Paraguay, they will likely finish third in the group, which would allow another match of consequence after 37 years. But Paraguay has a chance to finish second. If they win the match against Australia, they will move to second place. But if they draw with Australia, they will move to third place. But Australia don't want to finish third, they definitely want to finish second. So if Australia draw with Paraguay, Australia will be guaranteed to go through to the knockout stage, but in that case Paraguay will finish second. But what is the interest of Paraguay to draw with Australia? Will Paraguay tell Australia that, listen, we want to finish third, so we will pass you with a draw, but you cannot finish second. In this situation, Paraguay will have to wonder whether they can either pounce on Australia and beat them to finish second, or they can settle for third with a comfortable draw with Australia. Paraguay and Australia have to face this strange situation. One such incident occurred 37 years ago when Australia and Algeria locked themselves in a consequential match. FIFA rules were then changed to prevent such incidents from happening in the future. But now there are fears of a similar event at the 2026 World Cup, although this time it will be between Paraguay and Australia instead of Algeria and Australia. Will this incident again become a basis for revision of FIFA regulations? --- ## Related Articles 1. [Mundial 2026](https://azzurrigoal.com/it/news/mondiali-2026-gianni-infantino-afferma-che-le-pause-per-idratazione-non-portano-ricavi-extra-per-la-fifa) 2. [파라과이, Australia's World Cup 2026 조별맄마이마이 경기 Prediction](https://taegeukgoal.com/ko/news/2026-247)