Which selection procedure applies during the World Cup?
In the World Cup, teams are drawn into groups where competition is fierce and every match matters. The tournament traditionally divides the field into eight groups, labeled from A to H. Each group is populated with four teams, and the round-robin phase determines who advances. Specifically, the two highest-ranked teams from each group move on to the knockout rounds, beginning with the round of 16. From there, teams focus on progressing through the quarterfinals and semifinals, all the way to the grand final, which is hosted across several venues within the host country. The journey is a test of depth, consistency, and strategic execution across a calendar of high-stakes matches.
Historically, the World Cup format centers on a balance between group play and knockout drama. Teams must navigate the round-robin stage efficiently, securing enough points to finish in the top two of their pool, thereby avoiding early elimination and setting up a path toward the trophy. The tournament structure emphasizes both team depth and the ability to perform under pressure when the stakes climb with each round. The host country, often a stage for national pride and intense fan support, hosts the matches across multiple stadiums, creating a festival atmosphere that encapsulates the spirit of the global event.
Are there additional periods beyond the standard match time? The answer is yes. If a match ends in a draw after the initial 90 minutes, play continues with extra time consisting of two periods of 15 minutes each, totaling 30 additional minutes. There is no golden goal rule in effect, meaning play continues regardless of early goals during extra time and both teams have the chance to respond. The goal is to determine a winner within the extra time, if possible, but if the score remains tied after the extra period, the game proceeds to a penalty shootout to decide which team advances or clinches the championship.
In such cases, the shootout becomes a defining moment, testing nerve and precision under pressure. Each team selects five players to take kicks, alternating attempts to convert penalties. If the score is still level after these five rounds, the tiebreaker continues in a sudden-death format until a winner emerges. This process ensures that a clear victor advances or lifts the trophy, maintaining the integrity and excitement of the World Cup knockout stages. The standard approach to extra time and penalties is designed to preserve fairness while delivering clear, decisive outcomes in all knockout matches.
Reference: Goal