Under the reported order, the result between tied teams would be the first deciding factor. A victory over a direct rival could therefore carry more weight than a large win against another opponent.
If head-to-head results do not settle the standings, the comparison would return to performance across the group. Overall goal difference would be considered first, followed by total goals scored.
That creates a different calculation from the traditional approach. Teams may have less incentive to chase a bigger margin against a weaker opponent if their decisive fixture is against a rival on the same number of points.
If the footballing criteria remain level, the reported rules move to disciplinary records. The team with the stronger fair-play record would advance, followed by the side holding the higher ranking before the tournament.
That places added value on avoiding unnecessary bookings and dismissals across the group stage. A late yellow card could carry consequences beyond one match if two teams finish level on points and goal difference.
The expanded World Cup format includes 12 groups of four teams, with the eight best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stage. Because those third-placed teams do not face one another, head-to-head results cannot be used to compare them.
The reported order for that separate table is:
As the expanded World Cup approaches, the key storyline will be whether teams adapt their risk-taking to the new hierarchy. Direct results, disciplinary control and the final goal difference could all shape the route into the round of 32.