Eligibility & Qualification
Can a team be eliminated with 4 points?
Quick Answer
Yes, though rare. If three teams finish with 4 points each, tiebreakers (goal difference, goals scored, head-to-head) decide rankings. The team with the worst tiebreaker record is eliminated despite having 4 points.
Detailed Explanation
4 points usually guarantees qualification, but in extremely competitive groups where results are balanced, tiebreakers become crucial. This happened in several World Cup groups where three teams tied on points.
📌Key Points
- 14 points usually enough to qualify
- 2Rare scenario: 3 teams tied on 4 points
- 3Tiebreakers decide who advances
- 4Goal difference is critical
- 5One team with 4 pts goes home
📜Related Rules
Tiebreaker Rules ExplainedLearn more →
Understand how teams are ranked when tied on points in World Cup group stages.
group stageLearn more →