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FIFA has introduced a major change to how group tables will be decided at the 2026 World Cup, with head-to-head results now taking priority over goal difference for teams level on points.
The shift replaces the long-standing system used since 1970, where overall goal difference determined rankings, and aligns FIFA with UEFA’s approach to tiebreakers.
Officials say the change rewards direct performance between teams and reduces the impact of one-sided results on group standings.
The system was previously tested at the Club World Cup and could significantly influence qualification scenarios in tight World Cup groups.