What are the World Cup's group-stage tie-breakers?

[BBC] If two or more teams are tied on points in the same group in the 2026 World Cup, head-to-head record is used as the first tie-breaker. This is a change from previous World Cups, when goal difference was the initial tie-breaker. Head-to-head record was not used as any tie-breaker until 1994 but has now been made the first deciding factor. It means that should multiple teams finish level on points, the teams involved will be ranked on head-to-head record in matches where those involved faced each other. If that match ended in a draw, the remaining set of tie-breakers will be used until the tie is broken. After head-to-head record, goal difference in head-to-head matches is the second tie-breaker used. If that is level, it goes down to which of the teams involved scored the most goals in head-to-head matches. If that is also level, the next tie-breaker is goal difference from the entire group stage. It then moves to goals scored in all group-stage matches. Should that also be tied, it goes to which team has the better "team conduct score" - effectively meaning who has had the cleanest disciplinary record. In the event that all of those tie-breakers still cannot be solved, the final tie-breaker is by ranking teams by the latest Fifa world rankings, which are updated after every international match. Every group stage tie-breaker for the 2026 World Cup Most points in head-to-head matches from teams involved Superior goal difference in head-to-head matches from teams involved Greatest number of goals scored in head-to-head matches from teams involved Superior goal difference in all group stage matches Greatest number of goals scored in all group stage matches Best team conduct score (players and officials) relating to the number of yellow cards and red cards obtained Highest ranking from latest Fifa world rankings Lots, goal average and play-offs Uruguay and Cape Verde are among the sides level on points in their group heading into the final round of group stage fixtures [Getty Images] While there are plenty of tie-breakers in place, the same could not be said for previous World Cups. It has not been used as a tie-breaker for 36 years, but in previous World Cups the drawing of lots was used as a final tie-breaker to determine the final places of teams that were level after every tie-breaker. The Republic of Ireland got a taste of the drawing of lots in the 1990 World Cup. After points, goal difference and goals scored was level between themselves and the Netherlands, the final tie-breaker was the drawing of lots. The Republic of Ireland finished second and the Dutch dropped to third, meaning the former would face Romania in the last 16 and won on penalties before losing to hosts Italy in the quarter-finals. Finishing third meant the Netherlands would face West Germany, losing to the eventual winners. In 1970, lots were required to determine which of the Soviet Union and Mexico and would be named group winners of Group 1. The Soviet Union were deemed group winners by the drawing of lots. Although it had not been needed since 1994, the drawing of lots remained as the final tie-breaker until the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Prior to 1970, goal average was used instead of goal difference as a decider. This method worked by taking goals scored and dividing them by goals conceded. In 1962, England were the beneficiaries of goal average and qualified for the second round in front of Argentina via this tie-breaker. In both 1954 and 1958, play-off matches were used to determine ties in the group stages, well as goal average. In 1934 and 1938, the tournament was a straight knockout competition. While tie-breakers were not needed, in the event of a draw, replays were used. This article is the latest from BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team. More questions answered... Why are England playing a darts song at the World Cup? Who England and Scotland face in World Cup last 32 as it stands Why has Erling Haaland added 'Braut' to Norway shirt? Why have there been two World Cup trophies?