World Cup 2026 Group Stage Tiebreaker Rules
When two or more teams finish level on points in a World Cup 2026 group, FIFA applies the following criteria in strict order. The next criterion is only used if teams are still level after the current one.
- 1
Head-to-head points
Points won only in the matches played among the teams that are level.
- 2
Head-to-head goal difference
Goal difference in the matches played among the tied teams only.
- 3
Head-to-head goals scored
Total goals scored in the matches among the tied teams only.
- 4
Head-to-head away goals
Goals scored as the designated away team in matches among the tied teams only.
- 5
Overall goal difference
Goal difference across all three group matches.
- 6
Overall goals scored
Total goals scored across all group matches.
- 7
Overall away goals
Goals scored as the designated away team across all group matches.
- 8
Fair play (disciplinary) points
Lowest disciplinary score ranks higher. Yellow card = -1, direct red = -3, and a yellow followed by a red = -3 (not -4).
- 9
FIFA ranking
The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking at the time of the final draw. This is seeded into the calculator's data.
- 10
Drawing of lots
If teams remain level on every criterion above, FIFA conducts a random draw. This cannot be calculated — the tool shows a tie notice instead.
The restart rule for three-way ties
The head-to-head criteria (Steps 1–4) apply only to the matches between the tied teams. If three teams are level and one criterion separates just one of them, the remaining two teams are re-evaluated restarting from Step 1 — not by continuing to the next criterion. Failing to restart is the most common tiebreaker bug, and this calculator handles it correctly.
FIFA may adjust criteria between tournaments. Always verify against the official FIFA regulations for the 2026 World Cup.