How World Cup group stage tiebreakers are decided

The men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup tournaments are among the many most prestigious sports activities tournaments on the earth, drawing over a billion followers each 4 years. Each version kicks off with the group stage — a number of round-robin fashion tournaments. In every group, 4 groups sq. off to see which groups will advance to the knockout stage.

Only two groups can advance to the knockout spherical after six group video games. Not solely do the highest two spots matter, but in addition the order. The second place group groups face off towards the highest place groups from different teams.

That’s the place the tiebreakers come into play. Check out the official record and order beneath.

How do tiebreakers work in World Cup group levels?

Here’s a breakdown of the tiebreakers elements that decide who advances to the World Cup knockout rounds:

1. Group factors
2. Group aim distinction
3. Group targets scored
4. Head-to-head file
5. Fair play file
6. Drawing of tons

Group factors

To begin with, groups are positioned so as of complete factors from their three group stage matches. Teams obtain three factors for a win, one level for a draw, and 0 for a loss.

Group aim distinction

The subsequent think about group stage tiebreakers is group aim distinction. That is the variety of complete targets minus the variety of targets given up.

Group targets scored

If the group aim distinction is equal, the variety of targets given up is not factored into the equation and FIFA simply seems on the complete variety of targets scored.

Head-to-head file

If two or extra groups in the identical group are tied in factors, aim distinction, and targets scored, they are going to then be ranked head-to-head.

If two groups are tied, you take a look at the one group sport outcomes. If one crew received, they are ranked greater. If not, we transfer on to truthful play file.

If three groups are tied, you rank the groups by the elements beneath:

• Points
• Goal distinction
• Goals scored

Fair play file

The truthful play file, launched in 2014, scores groups primarily based on penalty playing cards. Their values are as follows:

• Yellow card: -1 level
• Indirect pink card*: -3 factors
• Direct pink card: -4 factors
• Yellow card and direct pink card: -5 factors

* An oblique pink card is a participant being issued two yellow playing cards in a match

The crew that has the very best rating primarily based on that time system is ranked greater.

The truthful play file has solely been used one time on the 2018 World Cup. In that situation, Japan and Senegal have been tied with 4 factors, a aim distinction of zero and 4 targets scored every. Japan superior to the knockout stage with -4 truthful play factors whereas Senegal had -6.

Drawing of tons

At this level, we’ve all however given up on making an attempt to separate the 2 groups and drawing tons is used to find out who strikes on.

How does this work? Essentially, a random draw is made by an neutral member of the World Cup organizing committee. This member just isn’t from one of many international locations in query. The draw is public, and two balls are positioned right into a pot. The first crew drawn out might be ranked greater.

This was truly used within the 1990 Men’s World Cup. The Netherlands and Republic of Ireland each had certified for the knockout stage of the event, however a draw was wanted with the intention to decide their place within the group and bracket.

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