For the first time in World Cup history, FIFA is using head-to-head records instead of goal difference as the primary tiebreaker when separating teams with equal points in group play. The change mirrors UEFA's longstanding practice and aims to assess the direct performance between competing teams rather than their overall record.
Mexico have already benefited from the new rule. With six points from two wins and a 3-point lead over South Korea, Mexico cannot be overtaken in Group A because they defeated South Korea head-to-head. This means Mexico have clinched first place before their final match against the Czech Republic on 26 June, allowing them to rest key players if desired.
Under the old format using goal difference, a team needed to be four points clear after two games to lock first place—a rare occurrence requiring both remaining fixtures to end in draws. The new system requires only a three-point lead if the leading team has already beaten the second-placed team, making it possible for group winners to be decided before the final matchday.
The logic behind the change is that assessing direct performance between two teams is fairer than comparing overall goal difference, which can be distorted by mismatched fixtures such as Germany's 7-1 win over Curacao. FIFA first introduced the system at last year's Club World Cup.