THE World Cup has gotten off to a thrilling start in North America!
The is heading for an epic climax with plenty of sides still battling for spots in the knockouts.
The World Cup is heading for the knockout stages in North America Credit: Getty
Some groups are extremely tight, with several nations set to finish on the same number of points.
If two or more teams in the same group are level on points at the end of the group stage, a specific set of tiebreakers are in place to determine the ranking.
brings you all the information you need on the criteria below.
What happens if teams finish level on points in World Cup group stage?
If two or more teams finish on equal points following the conclusion of the group stage, the following tiebreakers are applied in order.
- Greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the tied teams
- Superior goal difference resulting from the group matches between the tied teams
- Greatest number of goals scored in all group matches between the tied teams
- Superior goal difference in all group matches
- Most goals scored in all group matches
- Highest team conduct score in all group matches (taking into account yellow cards and red cards)
- Fifa World Ranking
Where to buy England's 2026 World Cup kits
ENGLAND are dreaming of World Cup glory in North America this summer.
And you can show your support for Thomas Tuchel’s men by wearing the new Nike kits.
The white home jersey and red away strip were unveiled and went on sale in March.
England home and away kits can be purchased online at the England Store .
The AeroFIT kits cost £134.99 for adults, while the Stadium kit costs £89.99.
A full kids’ kit – shirt, shorts, socks – costs £54.99.
*If you click on a link in this boxout, we will earn affiliate revenue.
Which teams progress to the World Cup knockout stages?
at the have been split into 12 groups of four.
Nations that finish in the top two of their group will automatically progress to the round of 32 – an additional knockout round to accommodate the expansion.
In addition to the 24 sides that automatically advance, the eight best third-place teams will join them.
How are the eight best third-place teams determined?
The sides that finish third in their groups will be ranked by the following criteria in order:
- Points
- Goal difference
- Goals scored
- Highest team conduct score (players and team officials) relating to the number of yellow and red cards obtained in all group matches
- Fifa World Ranking
When do the knockout rounds start?
The round of 32 will begin with the runners-up in Group A taking on the runners-up in Group B on Sunday, June 28.
Here are all the key dates you need for the knockout stages:
- Round of 32: June 28 to July 3
- Round of 16: July 4-7
- Quarter-finals: July 9-11
- Semi-finals: July 14-15
- Third-place play-off: July 18
- Final: July 19
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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