12 June 2014 :: FIFA World Cup – 2014 : Format
The first round, or group stage, is a round-robin competition between thirty-two teams divided into eight groups. The two best teams of each group will progress to the knock-out stage.
The ranking of teams in each group will be based on:
Points in all group matches
Goal difference in all group matches
Goals scored in all group matches
Points in matches between tied teams
Goal difference in matches between tied teams
Goals scored in matches between tied teams
Drawing of lots
In the knockout stage there will be four rounds each eliminating the losers. The four rounds are the round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final (plus a play-off for third place). A draw in the knockout stages will be followed by two 15 minute periods of extra time to determine a winner. If the teams are still tied, a penalty shootout will be held.
