What would happen if a World Cup group ended with everyone level on points and goal difference?

Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal shakes hands with Axel Tuanzebe of Congo DR after the 1-1 draw during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group K match between Portugal and Congo DR at Houston Stadium — DR Congo and Portugal drew 1-1 in their opening fixture (Image credit: Getty Images)

The World Cup is well underway, with every team in the tournament completing their first match.

While some groups have been full of fascinating fixtures, others have been a little more difficult to get excited about. With three draws on June 15.

So what happens if every team finishes level on both points and goal difference?

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How would a bore draw group be settled?

Pedro Miguel, Qatar's Defender #13 Ayoub Al Oui, Qatar's Midfielder #05 Jassem Gaber Qatar's Defender #14 Homam El Amin, Qatar's Defender #16 Boualem Khoukhi and Qatar's Forward #11 Akram Afif — Qatar drew 1-1 with Switzerland in their opening fixture (Image credit: Getty Images)

It seems unlikely, but it's not impossible that all four teams end up on the same number of points and with the same goal difference, which is why there are plans in place for such a scenario.

My preference would be for this to be settled with a big old game of Wembley doubles, but sadly FIFA takes a much more admin-based approach to dividing teams level on points and goal difference.

If teams aren't able to be divided by points, head-to-head, goal difference and goals scored overall then less obvious metrics are taken into consideration.

Firstly, team conduct is reviewed, with yellow and red cards counted and the teams with the fewest bookings progressing.

However, if both teams have the same discipline records, then their position on the latest official FIFA world rankings is used to determine who would progress.

Switzerland players pose for a team photograph before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group B match between Qatar and Switzerland at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on June 13, 2026 — Switzerland could reach the knockout rounds due to their FIFA world ranking (Image credit: Getty Images)

So, using Group B as an example, if all four teams end with the same points and goal difference, and the same number of red and yellow cards, then the FIFA rankings would be used to determine who would progress.

That would come as good news for Switzerland, who are ranked 19th overall in the world at the moment, and Canada, who sit 32nd.

Qatar, who sit 49th, might have enough to qualify via the third-place spots, but it would be bad news for Bosnia, who are ranked 63rd.

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Ryan Gray is a freelance writer, covering mainly travel and occasionally sport. He previously spent two years as Sports Editor at the Watford Observer before turning his hand to travel writing, with his work appearing in various national UK publications. He has gone from providing matchday commentary for Blyth Spartans to covering FA Cup and Euros finals, as well as interviewing the likes of Claudio Ranieri, Alan Shearer and Glenn Hoddle, among other big names.