World Cup 2022: Are World Cup groups decided on goal difference or head-to-head? Could teams go to a play-off if records are identical?

With a number of last-16 spots still to be claimed at the 2022 Qatar World Cup, plenty of nations could end up finishing level on points after three matches each.
Ben McKenna
By Ben McKenna
Published 26th Nov 2022, 10:06 GMT
Updated 30th Nov 2022, 11:02 GMT

England topped their group with seven points to set up a last-16 tie with Senegal on Sunday while the USA beat Iran to secure second place and a knockout clash with the Netherlands. Plenty of big nations are left fighting for qualification in the final group matches, including the likes of Argentina and Germany.

Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni says he was “really reassured” by what he saw from his players in Saturday’s win over Mexico. Scaloni’s men bounced back from the shock 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia in their World Cup Group C opener by defeating Mexico 2-0, with Lionel Messi putting them ahead with a 64th-minute strike before Enzo Fernandez added a second goal late on.

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They will now look to secure last-16 qualification on Wednesday when they face Poland, the group leaders with four points – third-placed Saudi Arabia also have three, while Mexico have one. Germany are bottom of Group E while Belgium sit third in Group F.

A general view shows a replica of the World Cup trophy ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and USA at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on November 25, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)A general view shows a replica of the World Cup trophy ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and USA at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on November 25, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
A general view shows a replica of the World Cup trophy ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup Group B football match between England and USA at the Al-Bayt Stadium in Al Khor, north of Doha on November 25, 2022. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

If sides finish level on points, here’s who FIFA will decide who advances into the next round.

Goal difference

Some competitions rely on head-to-head records as the first separator for teams who finish level on points but FIFA will use goal difference at this World Cup.

Goals scored

If teams finish level on points and with the same goal difference, the next decider will be goals scored.

Head-to-head record

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If sides finish level on points, score the same number of goals and have the same goal difference it will then come down to head-to-head record. In the rare event that three teams have identical records, a mini-league would be created using the results between the sides to decide final placings.

Fair play record

If teams still cannot be separated then it will come down to their disciplinary record. Points are deducted from teams based on yellow and red cards with the side left with the highest points tally placed higher in the group.

Draw lots

The final decider that will be used by FIFA is to hold a random draw to decide who will progress. No extra play-off fixture will take place with a team’s progress essentially decided by luck if none of the above factors can split them.

Related topics:EnglandUSAMexicoGermany