1998 FIFA World Cup Group Stage Points Simulator

Group Stage

• The 32 teams taking part in the final competition will be divided into eight groups of four teams.
• The league format shall be used: each team playing one match against each of the other teams in the same group, with three points for a win, one point for a draw and none for a defeat.
• The ranking of each team in each group shall be determined as follows:
  1. greatest number of points obtained in all group matches;
  2. goal difference in all group matches;
  3. greatest number of 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:
  1. greatest number of points obtained in the group matches between the teams concerned;
  2. goal difference resulting from the group matches between the teams concerned;
  3. greater number of goals scored in all group matches between the teams concerned;
  4. drawing of lots by the FIFA Organising Committee.
• The teams finishing first and second in each group shall qualify for the round of sixteen.
• The last two matches in each group shall have simultaneous kick-off times on the same day.