World Cup 2022 rules for equal points in the group

In the event of equal points in the group, rules should determine which country advances to the next round of the 2022 World Cup and which country is eliminated.

The numbers one and two from each of the eight groups advance to the knockout phase, but how is the ranking determined if the number of points is equal between countries? FIFA has drawn up a number of criteria for this.

If two or more teams in the same group are tied on points after completion of the group stage, the following rules apply in the event of a tie in the group.

Step 1 by equal points in the group

  1. Highest number of points in all group matches.
  2. Highest goal difference in all group matches.
  3. Highest number of goals scored in all group matches.

Step 1 therefore concerns all group matches against all three opponents from the same group, regardless of whether or not they have an equal number of points.

Step 2 by equal points in the group

If, based on the previous step, two or more teams are still tied in the group, the following rules apply in the event of a tie.

  1. Highest number of points in group matches between the respective teams.
  2. Highest goal difference in group matches between the respective teams.
  3. Highest number of goals scored in group matches between the respective teams.
  4. Highest disciplinary score for yellow and red cards:
    1. Yellow card: -1 points
    2. Indirect red card: -3 points
    3. Direct red card: -4 points
    4. Yellow card and direct red card: -5 points
    The country with the highest number of points will be higher in the standings.
  5. Draw by FIFA.

Step 2 therefore concerns the results of matches against the opponents who are tied in the group. Matches against countries with more or less points are therefore disregarded.

Date published: 19-02-2022 | Date updated: 16-12-2024 | Author:

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In the event of equal points in the group, rules should determine which country advances to the next round of the 2022 World Cup and which country is eliminated.


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