ATLANTA (AP) — The World Cup has reached that stage when mental gymnastics come into play to determine who’s in, who’s out and what’s needed to advance to the next round. This year’s supersized tournament, up from 32 teams to 48, has changed the format of the competition and how teams are separated by tiebreakers in the group phase. For instance, there’s an extra knockout round of 32 teams, where as previously the group phase was immediately followed by a round of 16. There are also lifelines for teams to advance if they miss out on the top two places in their respective groups. Here’s what to know about qualification for the round of 32.How to advance from the group phaseThe expanded tournament means there are more groups and more games than ever before at a World Cup. By the time the group phase is completed 72 matches will have been played to eliminate 16 teams.The top two in each of the 12 groups advance automatically and then there are places for the eight best third-placed teams.It is the first time since 1994, when only 24 teams competed, that there has been a lifeline for third-placed teams.
Head-to-head results before goal differenceFor the first time at a World Cup, FIFA will prioritize head-to-head results if two or more teams are tied on points.The steps to determine the final placings if a tiebreaker is needed will be deployed in the following order:— Head-to-head results between the teams concerned. — Goal difference in the games between the teams concerned.— Highest number of goals scored in those games.— Overall goal difference in all group games.
