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The FIFA World Cup 2022 is nearing its knockout stages as final fixtures from the group stages are underway. Considering the team standings of the Group E and F particularly, there is a huge possibility of a tie between the teams with same points and goal difference. This leads to the speculations that what will be the tie-breakers in such case.
With the likes of Netherlands and Senegal from Group A, England and USA from Group B, Argentina and Poland from Group C, and France and Australia from Group D have already qualified for the Round of 16, eight teams from Group E, F, G and H are remaining qualifications.
On Wednesday night, Argentina faced Poland while Mexico squared off against Saudi Arabia simultaneously. Eventually, Argentina and Poland qualified for the Round of 16 from Group C. However, there was a moment during the matches when Poland and Mexico tied on points and goal difference as Argentina were winning 2-0 against Poland while Saudi Arabia were trailing to two goals against Mexico.
In this case, the result could be decided through Fair Play points system, which is the seventh group stage tie-breaker scenario.
Here is the list of FIFA World Cup 2022 group stage tie-breakers:
1. Points: First of all, the qualifications will be decided through the points difference.
2. Goal Difference: When the points are same, goal difference plays the tie-breaker.
3. Goals scored: When points and goal difference are same then the qualifications will be decided through the total number of goals scored in the group stage.
4. Head-to-head: If the above three criteria are equal then the decision will be made through the head-to-head result of the levelled teams.
5. Head-to-head Goal Difference (three teams): When three teams are levelled then this measure is applied.
6. Head-to-head Goals scored (three teams): This tie-breaker is used when three teams are levelled.
7. Fair Play: When the points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head are equal between the two sides then the tie-breaker will be decided through the Fair Play points. Here is the Fair Play points system:
- Yellow card: -1 point
- Two yellow cards: -3 points
- Straight red card: -4
- Yellow card followed by a straight red card: -5 points
In the Group E, Japan and Costa Rica are at the second and the third place with same points but with distinct goal difference. Similarly, Croatia and Morocco are tied with same points on the first and the second place respectively in the Group F.