The FIFA World Cup has entered its third week, and for some teams, the dream is already over. With the second round of group stage matches halfway completed, the 32 teams advancing to the knockout stages will be confirmed by the weekend. However, while France, Portugal, and England have played only one match so far, others have been mathematically eliminated under a new set of FIFA rules.
Tunisia Becomes Third Team Eliminated
On Sunday, Tunisia became the third team mathematically eliminated from the tournament after a bruising 4-0 defeat to Japan in Guadalupe, following a 5-1 thrashing by Sweden in the opening round. They join Turkey and Haiti, all three sides having lost their opening two matches. Turkey's losses to Australia and Paraguay sealed their fate, while tournament debutants Haiti were eliminated after defeats to Scotland and Brazil.
New Head-to-Head Tiebreaker Causes Confusion
The early exits have left many fans confused, as all three eliminated sides could still win their final group stage fixtures and finish level on points with other teams. With the tournament expanded to 48 teams, eight of the 12 third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stages for the first time, leading many to believe things would go down to the final round. However, new FIFA rules have changed the tiebreaker from goal difference to head-to-head results.
According to FIFA's new regulations, head-to-head results now take precedence over goal difference when teams are level on points. Tunisia lost to Sweden, Turkey lost to Australia and Paraguay, and Haiti lost to Scotland, meaning those teams cannot finish third regardless of other results. They are mathematically out.
More Eliminations Possible
A fourth team could soon follow, with one of Algeria or Jordan at risk. The two sides face each other at 4am BST on Tuesday, after fellow Group J sides Argentina and Austria play in Arlington, Texas at 6pm BST on Monday. Under the new rules, Algeria will be eliminated if they lose to Jordan and Argentina beat Austria. Similarly, Jordan will be knocked out if they lose to Algeria and Argentina win, as Jordan lost 3-1 to Austria in their first match.
New Red Card Offence Introduced
The head-to-head tiebreaker is not the only new rule. Paraguay's Miguel Almiron became the first player sent off for a new red card offence during his team's victory over Turkey. The former Newcastle United star was shown a straight red during first-half stoppage time for covering his mouth while speaking to Turkish defender Mert Muldur. He is now banned for one match.
Under a rule introduced earlier this year, any player covering their mouth in a confrontational situation with an opponent may be sanctioned with a red card. The rule change followed controversy involving Benfica's Gianluca Prestianni and Real Madrid's Vinicius Jr during a Champions League game in February, when Prestianni was accused of racist abuse. While the accusation could not be proven, Prestianni received a six-game ban from UEFA for homophobic conduct after covering his mouth during the altercation.
