If a World Cup group-stage match is tied, both teams usually get 1 point, and there is no extra time or penalty shootout in the group stage.

How the standings work

  • Win: 3 points.
  • Draw: 1 point each.
  • Loss: 0 points.

If teams finish level on points

FIFA uses tiebreakers to decide who ranks higher in the group. For the 2026 World Cup, the order starts with head-to-head results between the tied teams, then goal difference and goals scored, followed by fair play/disciplinary record, and finally FIFA rankings if needed.

What that means in practice

A tied match itself does not eliminate anyone; it just leaves both teams sharing the points. The real drama comes later, when the final group table is sorted and tiebreakers decide who advances to the knockout round.

Would you like the full tiebreaker order in a simple table?