How did Sweden still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams?

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Sweden qualified as one of the best third-placed teams despite finishing fourth in Group F
Sweden advanced to the World Cup last-32 as one of the best third-placed finishers, even though they ended Group F with four points in fourth place. In Group F, the Netherlands finished top with seven points, Japan were second with five, Sweden had four, and Tunisia finished bottom with zero, with Sweden therefore not winning the group. Their qualification came from being among the strongest third-place teams across the groups, after results elsewhere determined the ranking.
Sweden’s Group F record left them fourth, not top
In their Group F campaign, Sweden earned four points, after earlier results included a 5-1 win over Tunisia and a 5-1 loss to the Netherlands. They then drew 1-1 with Japan in their final group match, which kept them in a “healthy position” going into the last round. The Netherlands and Japan were already virtually assured of progressing, while only Tunisia were out of contention.
Japan and Sweden drew 1-1, with “a point not a disaster” for both
The draw meant Sweden avoided elimination in their final group game, with the match finishing 1-1 at a venue in Texas. The result left the group standings unchanged in terms of points totals: Netherlands on seven, Japan on five, Sweden on four, and Tunisia on zero. The reporting also states that Japan and Sweden were “safe in the knowledge that a point was not a disaster.”
Sweden’s knockout spot depended on being ranked among third-place teams across groups
Although Sweden were fourth in Group F, they still qualified because they were classified as one of the best third-placed finishers. The coverage explicitly notes that Sweden “have also qualified for the knockouts as one of the best third-placed finishers,” but it does not spell out the exact tie-break or ranking criteria used to determine which third-placed teams qualify. The specific method (such as whether points, goal difference, or goals scored are used) is not provided in the available details.
What is confirmed: Sweden qualified, while Tunisia were eliminated
The final group table shows Tunisia finished with zero points and went home, while both Japan and Sweden advanced to the knockout stage. The Netherlands, who finished top with seven points, were also set for the knockouts, and they were paired with Morocco. For Sweden, the key confirmed factor was their status as one of the best third-placed teams, even with their Group F fourth-place finish.

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How did Sweden still qualify as one of the best third-placed teams?

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