2018 FIFA WC: Way to knock-out stage, the rules and regulations you need to know

XtraTime Web Desk: The 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia is entering a crucial phase with teams defining their positions in the group stages in order to advance to the knockout rounds.

Here are the tie-break scenarios for rankings in the groups:

The greatest number of points, Goal difference in all group matches, Goals scored in all group matches

If two or more teams are equal on the basis of the above three criteria, their rankings shall be determined as follows:

The greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned




Goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned

The greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned

Greater number of points obtained regarding fair play conduct (yellow cards = -1, indirect red card (as a result of a second yellow card) = -3, direct red card = -4, yellow card and direct red = -5, with only one of the deductions applied to a player in a single game)