What to know about World Cup tiebreakers and how teams can advance to the knockout phase

The World Cup has reached the stage where mental gymnastics come into play to determine who is in, who is out and what is needed to advance to the next round.

This year’s major tournament, from 32 to 48 teams, has changed the format of the competition and how teams are separated via tiebreaks in the group stage.

For example, there is an extra qualifying round of 32 teams, as before the group stage was immediately followed by a round of 16.

Teams also have lifelines to progress if they miss out on the top two places in their groups.

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Here’s what you need to know about qualifying for the round of 32.
The expanded tournament means there will be more groups and more games than ever before at the World Cup. When the group stage is completed, 72 matches will be played to eliminate 16 teams. The top two places in each of the 12 groups will advance automatically, followed by places for the eight best third-placed teams.

It was the first time since 1994, when only 24 teams competed, that there was a lifeline for the teams that finished third.

FIFA will prioritize head-to-head results if two or more teams are tied on points for the first time at a World Cup.

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If a tie must be broken, the steps to determine the final ranking will be applied in the following order:

– Head-to-head results between the respective teams.

– Goal difference in matches between the respective teams.

– Highest number of goals scored in these matches.

— Overall goal difference in all group matches.

— Highest number of goals scored in the group.

— Minimum number of red or yellow cards (including team officials) received in the group stage.

— FIFA rankings.

Coaches, players and fans will evaluate what it takes to become one of the eight best third-place teams. This is where goal difference can be critical.

For example, Scotland’s chances of advancing out of the group stage for the first time in their history may depend on avoiding a heavy defeat against Brazil. They won their first match against Haiti and then lost to Morocco.

The third-placed teams with the highest points are promoted, but if the teams are tied on points, the primary tiebreaking factor is goal difference, followed by goals scored, disciplinary records (red and yellow cards) and finally the FIFA rankings.

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