What to know about World Cup tiebreakers and how teams can advance to the knockout phase

The World Cup has reached that stage when mental gymnastics come into play to determine who’s in, who’s out and what’s needed to advance to the next round.

This year’s supersized tournament, up from 32 teams to 48, has changed the format of the competition and how teams are separated by tiebreakers in the group phase.

For instance, there’s an extra knockout round of 32 teams, where as previously the group phase was immediately followed by a round of 16.

There are also lifelines for teams to advance if they miss out on the top two places in their respective groups.

Here’s what to know about qualification for the round of 32.

How to advance from the group phase
The expanded tournament means there are more groups and more games than ever before at a World Cup. By the time the group phase is completed 72 matches will have been