How do teams qualify for the Round of 32?

The World Cup has reached the stage where complex calculations begin to determine who has qualified, who has been eliminated, and what the teams need to advance to the next round.

The current expanded version of the tournament, which has increased the number of teams from 32 to 48, has changed the competition system and the way qualification is determined in case of ties between teams during the group stage.

For example, a new round has been added, which is the Round of 32, whereas previously, the group stage was directly followed by the Round of 16.

There is now an additional opportunity for teams to qualify even if they fail to secure one of the top two positions in their groups.

Here are the key points to know about qualifying for the Round of 32.

The expanded version of the tournament means there are more groups and matches compared to any previous World Cup edition. By the end of the group stage, 72 matches will have been played to eliminate 16 teams.

The top two teams in each of the 12 groups automatically qualify, in addition to the best eight teams that finish in third place.

This is the first time since the 1994 World Cup, which featured only 24 teams, that third-place teams have a chance to qualify for the knockout stages.

Direct encounters before goal difference

For the first time in the World Cup, FIFA will rely on the results of direct encounters as the primary criterion to resolve ties in points between two or more teams.

The result of the direct encounters between the concerned teams.

Goal difference in matches between the concerned teams.

The highest number of goals scored in those matches.

Overall goal difference in all group matches.

The highest number of goals scored in the group.

The lowest number of yellow and red cards (including cards for coaching staff) during the group stage.

FIFA ranking.

Coaches, players, and fans will calculate the required scenarios to secure one of the eight spots allocated for the best third-placed teams, where goal difference may become a crucial factor.