FIFA and World Cup teams
20 June 2026
FIFA is using head-to-head records as the first World Cup group tiebreaker, ahead of overall goal difference. The change means teams such as Mexico can seal top spot earlier even if rivals can still match their points total.
The rule brings FIFA closer to UEFA’s approach and rewards direct results over heavy wins against weaker sides. It could change final match incentives, allowing qualified group winners to rest players while third-place contenders chase favourable scenarios.